While it’s very common to complain about every little thing, I have found that in any given circumstance there is the opportunity to give grateful praise to God instead.
Now I don’t live in dreamland, I understand that’s easier said than done…at least at first. But the more we practice this attitude of giving thanks and praise despite or even in spite of our circumstances, the more natural it becomes.
So how do we do it?
It takes practice! We have to intentionally seek out something about our situation that we can be grateful for. For example, you are in a fight with your wife, praise God that He has given you a life partner! Many don’t or are still looking. Yet God gave you favor in providing you with one. Yes, I understand that sounds simple and it is. But I also understand that it’s not easy.
Another example, say your body hurts constantly, and you’re dealing with chronic pain. It’s not fun, it’s not easy, but you have a body that can feel that can move. And even if you are at a point where you cannot move God has given you a mind that works that can create, think, reason, and express. You didn’t choose these, they were a gift.
If the painter only has three colors he has a choice. He can complain because of a perceived lack of something needed or he can be grateful for what he has been given and get creative.
If he has no brush, again, he can either complain or thank God he has fingers to use instead. So what if it’s messy! God has given Him everything he needs to express his craft. The same goes for you and me.
Now one last example.
Say you are in the middle of sharing your faith with a friend when all-of-the-sudden you are taken captive for that very act and are forced with a choice to renounce your faith or die. Now, this isn’t something I wish on anyone. But it is a sad reality in our world today and I want to address it.
Even in such a situation, you can still find reasons to praise God.
One, you got to share with our friend the love of Jesus before you were captured.
Two, you are soon to be with our savior Jesus and out of such a painful world.
and Three, you are presented with an opportunity to show love to those who call themselves your enemies and are planting seeds for the Gospel to work in their hearts.
Finding Gratitude
….I hope that after this you see that our problems both real and perceived do not need to stand in the way of knowing that God is good and that He has given us so much. From the air we breathe and the home we find ourselves in we can always praise. Life is not always ideal, but our God is always the same and His love and comfort can be very real to those who seek Him. Psalm 103
