Friday Fight 244: The Blessing Book

Every Friday, when I wake and pray, God places something on my heart to help fight darkness beginning in our minds. Today is FF244.

We all have some days that feel heavier than others. Worries pile up, stress lingers, and a sense of darkness quickly creeps in. Yet, I’ve discovered a simple, daily practice that helps to shift our hearts and strengthen our faith, a practice that began for me with a small journal my daughter gave me years ago.

The Blessing Book

Several years ago, my daughter Rylee gave me a small journal for Christmas. It was a sweet gift, but what made it truly special was what she wrote inside. Through prayer, God had placed it on her heart to encourage me to use the journal to write down all the things I was thankful for each day. At first, I thought it was a beautiful idea, but I didn’t fully understand the spiritual impact of it. I picked the journal up several times before the habit truly stuck, and when it finally did, everything began to change.

What I’ve learned is this: when we choose gratitude, we position our hearts to resist darkness. A thankful heart is powerful. Praise and thanksgiving push back against negativity, heaviness, and spiritual attacks. When I made it a daily habit to record God’s goodness, it shifted my mindset. I started noticing the difference when I stopped journaling—I quickly became increasingly negative, easily frustrated, and much quicker to complain. Journaling each night changed the way I moved through my days. I began looking for the blessings, whether big or small. I didn’t focus on the arguments, car troubles, or chaotic moments but instead wrote about the beautiful pink streaks in the morning sky, a kind word shared from a friend, a surprise cup of coffee, or a text reminding me I’m loved. These were moments I may have missed, but because I was watching for God’s goodness, I found it everywhere.

This was not just a gift that was wrapped and handed to me on Christmas. The Holy Spirit placed it on her heart to have me write daily, something that had to become part of my routine. The following months she checked in periodically, encouraging me numerous times until it became a value I understood and participated in daily. I will always be grateful to Rylee’s faithfulness in being part of my writing journey.

The “Blessing Book” isn’t about recording every detail of the day; it’s about pausing to recognize the ways God continuously shows up. Your list might look different from mine, and that’s the beauty of it—God meets each of us in unique and personal ways. When we train our hearts to look for His blessings, we invite peace, joy, and spiritual clarity.

I even noticed I slept better when I ended my day with gratitude. Though it may seem small, this simple habit is a powerful tool, darkness loses ground when our minds are fixed on thankfulness. God’s Word has everything we need. Praise and gratitude aren’t just good feelings, they are spiritual weapons that shift our perspective and guard our hearts. Philippians 4:4 says "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again, rejoice!"

If you’re facing heaviness, a shift or even battle today, try starting your own Blessing Book. Each night, write down three things you are thankful for, noticing both the big and small ways God revealed Himself. Let this intentional act of praise serve as a shield against negativity, helping you fight darkness with light. See how much it changes your perspective as you look for things to write down later. Use this tool to help fight the subtle heaviness many of us face everyday.

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In His Grace,

Pastor Shannon

River Church