“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” – Psalm 103:2–5
Finding God in the Everyday
Life is full of ordinary moments. Folding laundry, cooking dinner, answering emails, running errands, or tucking kids into bed. For many of us, it’s in these seemingly mundane routines that gratitude slips quietly through the cracks. We wait for the big things—the answered prayer, the promotion, the healing—before our hearts swell with thanks. But David’s words in Psalm 103 remind us of something profound: the everyday is filled with blessings worth celebrating.
David begins with an invitation to his own soul: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” It’s as if he’s reminding himself: Don’t overlook the ordinary gifts of God. Don’t let familiarity breed forgetfulness.
What if gratitude wasn’t something we saved for the mountaintop moments, but a daily rhythm woven into the fabric of our ordinary lives?
The Beauty of Everyday Blessings
Consider the little things you may have already experienced today:
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Breath in your lungs the moment you woke up
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The ability to move, walk, and think clearly
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A warm shower, clean water, and food on the table
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Technology that allows you to stay connected with loved ones
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The changing colors of autumn leaves or the crispness of fall air
These are gifts, just as much as the monumental moments are. Yet, how often do we rush past them, busy with what’s next?
Ann Voskamp, in her book One Thousand Gifts, writes:
“Gratitude for the seemingly insignificant—a seed—this plants the giant miracle.”
Every small acknowledgment of God’s goodness grows into a heart that overflows with joy.
Learning from David’s Perspective
David understood this. Psalm 103 is one long list of God’s ordinary-yet-extraordinary benefits. Forgiveness. Healing. Redemption. Love. Renewal. He’s not describing an extravagant miracle or a once-in-a-lifetime blessing—he’s naming the daily ways God sustains and renews His people.
This isn’t accidental. Gratitude is a discipline of remembering. We forget easily—our minds cloud with stress, worry, and distraction. But thankfulness brings our focus back to the One who holds all things together.
When we name the small blessings, we train our hearts to recognize God’s fingerprints everywhere.
Relatable Moments of Everyday Gratitude
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The tired mother rocking her baby at 2 a.m. can whisper thanks for the life she cradles.
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The college student drowning in assignments can pause to thank God for the opportunity to learn.
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The grandmother stirring a pot of soup can thank God for the warmth of family traditions.
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The woman recovering from loss can give thanks for friends who show up with kindness in her grief.
Gratitude doesn’t erase the exhaustion, the stress, or the sorrow—but it reframes them. It says, “Even here, God is good.”
How to Practice Gratitude in the Ordinary
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Start with your senses.
Look around. What do you see, hear, smell, taste, or touch right now that you can thank God for? -
Create a gratitude rhythm.
Tie thankfulness to ordinary activities. Say a prayer of thanks each time you pour your morning coffee, fold laundry, or lock your front door at night. -
Celebrate small wins.
Did you finish a task you’ve been dreading? Did you share a laugh with a coworker? Thank God for those small victories. -
Keep a family gratitude list.
Post a piece of paper on the fridge or a chalkboard in the kitchen where everyone writes down blessings throughout the week. -
Slow down.
Gratitude often gets buried under hurry. When you feel rushed, take one intentional pause to breathe and whisper, “Thank You, Lord.”
Reflection Questions
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What ordinary blessings in my life have I been overlooking?
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How can I create simple rhythms of gratitude in my daily routine?
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How might writing down blessings with my family or friends change the way we celebrate Thanksgiving?
A Prayer for Thankfulness in the Ordinary
Father, thank You for the countless blessings You pour into my everyday life. Forgive me for the times I rush past them or take them for granted. Teach me to see Your goodness in the ordinary—the laughter of a child, the beauty of a sunset, the gift of health, the joy of friendship. Open my eyes to notice the small ways You care for me each day, and fill my heart with gratitude that overflows. Amen.
A Thought to Carry With You
Thankfulness in the ordinary transforms the way we live. It turns laundry into worship, chores into opportunities for gratitude, and simple meals into sacred feasts. When we train our hearts to notice the little things, we begin to see that every breath is grace, every moment is a gift, and every day is a reason to bless the Lord.
Next, we’ll move into Part 3 – “A Heart That Celebrates” (Thanksgiving Day), where we’ll explore how gratitude becomes an act of worship that overflows into joyful celebration.
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