Jesus Calling November 20, 2026: Counting the Small Mercies

Quick Answer

This reflection for Jesus Calling November 20 invites you to notice small, easily missed mercies. Gratitude is a habit that trains the eyes to see God at work.

Scripture for Today

• 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV):

  “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

• Psalm 103:2 (KJV):

  “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:”

Reflection: Counting the Small Mercies

The Bible asks us to give thanks “in” everything, not “for” everything. That difference is gentle. You don’t have to pretend a hard thing is good. You are invited to find the mercies that stand beside it.

Think of a night sky in a city. You may see only a handful of stars until you step away from the bright lights, and then thousands appear. Gratitude is stepping away from the glare of worry long enough to see what was already there: a warm meal, a kind message, a working phone line to someone you love.

Try This Today

• List Five Small Mercies: Write five small things you’re thankful for before bed.
• Thank Someone by Name: Thank one person by name, in person or by message.
• Give Thanks at Meals: Say a short thank-you to God at each meal.

Prayer for Today

Father,
Open my eyes to the mercies I overlook. Where life is hard, help me find Your kindness beside me. I thank You for Your faithful care.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Question to Carry This Week

What small mercy did I overlook this week?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does thanking God mean I must feel happy?

No. Gratitude is a choice to remember God’s goodness, even when feelings lag.

Why does the Bible command thanks so often?

A thankful heart is protected from bitterness and envy, and it keeps our focus on God.

Devotional Navigation & Related Reflections

• Previous Reflection: Jesus Calling November 19: Learning to Recognize the Shepherd’s Voice
• Next Reflection: Jesus Calling November 21: Permission to Rest on a Saturday
• Related Reflection: Jesus Calling November 8: A Sunday of Thanks Before the Season of Thanks
• Related Reflection: Jesus Calling November 1: The Gift of an Unhurried Hour
• Series Hub: Explore all November 2026 devotional reflections on the November Hub Page

Inspired by today's reading in Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. This post is an original reflection, not the book's text. Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), public domain.