A Heart of Gratitude: Gratitude for our Present Situation
After leaving my abusive relationship, I waited for six years for my life to move forward. I grew frustrated, angry, depressed and discouraged on more than one occasion.
There were times when it was impossible for me to give thanks for my present situation. But, then I reminded myself that I had so much to be thankful.
- I was in a safe place
- I was not being abused
- I was slowly healing
- I was receiving counseling
- I had a job that provided
- I had no demands on me
- I was with people that loved me
- God had saved me from my abusers
- I was free to come and go as I pleased
When the times were bad, I still had so much to be thankful for. I was just in a season of waiting, but in the process the Lord was healing me so that I could do the next thing He had in store for me.
I have a family member going through a similar waiting period and this person often grows disheartened and does not want to listen to advice. I understand because I have been
there. Yet, I also see how God is providing and the ways in which God is working in this loved ones life even though it is difficult for this person to see it at the moment.
I don’t know what your present situation is, but there may be a situation that you are waiting to change.
I don’t know God’s time table and when that will change. It may be today and it may be years from now. Only God knows.
What I do know, is that no matter how bad the situation seems and how discouraged and downtrodden you become there are still things you can find to be thankful for.
Just as I provided my list above, take a moment to make a list {either in your head or on paper} of at least five things you are thankful for in your current situation.
What I do know is that life does not stay stagnate and your situation will eventually change.
Socrates said, “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
Daniel was thrown into a lions den for going against the King’s orders but He continued to give thanks to the Lord and the Lord rescued him from the lions den. His stand for what was right brought new laws and a nation to God that would have been lost without his faith.
Daniel said “To You, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, For You have given me wisdom and power.” {Daniel 2:23}
How can you praise God and give thanks? Are you focusing on building the new or fighting the old?
Waiting for change is not easy, but even in difficulty we should give #thanks. #Gratitude Share on X