There is a Reason to Be Grateful

No matter how bad things get, there is a reason to be grateful.

Recently my daughter began communicating, “Thank you, Lord,” with a combination of sign language and vocalizations. She says it often throughout a given day.

However, she won’t say it when she’s upset about something. No matter how much I prompt and coax, she refuses to express her gratitude when things haven’t gone the way she’s wants them to.

Sounds like my daughter is a lot like her mother. I, too, struggle with giving thanks when circumstances aren’t as I’d like. And that happens … often.

To be honest, some days it’s pretty difficult to find something redemptive … in a purely human aspect, that is. Yet, every day holds beauty because each one has been fashioned by God to bless us in some way— often with the gift of refinement.

Every day holds beauty—each one fashioned by God to bless us in some way—often with the gift of refinement. Click To Tweet

Steadfast Nature of God

We shouldn’t have to look very far for something to be grateful for as Christians, no matter how tough our circumstances. Because God has redeemed our past, is redeeming our present, and will redeem our future. 

God’s steadfast nature assures us of His faithfulness, no matter how bad things may look.

God's steadfast nature assures us of His faithfulness, no matter how bad things may look. Click To Tweet

You may be in the midst of your deepest hurt. Yet God remains your greatest hope. His love for you … His promises to you … they never change.

His nature and what He does remains a constant. He loves you when you’re unlovable. He provides light in the dark, promises where lies threaten to consume, and hope when all you see is despair.

So when it seems there’s nothing to be grateful for in your life, shift your gaze. Move it from your current heartbreak to your everlasting heart Healer. 

Sorrow, pain, and disappointment may continue, but peace and joy can walk hand in hand with them. For a heart anchored on the steadfast nature of God will never lack something to be grateful for.

A heart anchored on the steadfast nature of God will never lack something to be grateful for. Click To Tweet

“Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments;” Deuteronomy 7:9

Reflections: What would happen if we paused to give thanks in the midst of our heartaches? What if in spite of our feelings we remembered God’s unwavering faithfulness and love? How might that change everything?

May a thankful heart begin to take root in your life this Thanksgiving and may it continue to grow year-round. Have a blessed Thanksgiving, with a heart anchored in the Lord!

Enjoy this lovely reminder to thank the Lord by Don Moen.

I am always thrilled to link up with Suzie Eller for #livefreeThursday and this week’s prompt, “thankful in my least thankful places.” Click on the image to check out the wonderful encouragement.

By His grace ≈

Julie