Gratitude and Grace

It's hard to believe that it's already the middle of November! In less than two weeks, it will be Thanksgiving. It seems the perfect time to discuss finding gratitude during difficult times and how God gives us the grace to do so. Easier said than done, right? How do you express gratitude when your loved one is sick and fading away? How do you thank the LORD for His many blessings when your loved one has passed away, or your marriage has fallen apart? Can we be grateful during the hard times? Yes, we can. It isn't easy, but with the Holy Spirit's help, it is possible.

Let me share some examples from my own story. While my husband was battling cancer, it was very difficult. Watching him struggle and suffer, my heart hurt. Wishing and praying that he would feel better soon, I watched him slowly fade away. Amidst all of this, there were many reminders of God's love and care. There were so many things to be grateful for. For example: the support of family and friends; my job never making me feel guilty for taking the time needed to be with my husband; the fact that he took early retirement before he was ever diagnosed so he was able to rest and focus on his health; and the multiple times God provided for us financially through our church and dear friends. After my husband passed, I continued to see God's love and care. Even during the darkest nights of my grief, the LORD was there and He sustained me.

Did I struggle with being grateful? Yes, there were days that grief almost swallowed me, but God has a way of reminding those He loves of His faithfulness. Maybe you are struggling to see anything good in your situation. Perhaps you are angry and feel betrayed. Do you feel hopeless and afraid, wondering if God even sees you or cares about you? The LORD sees you, He feels your pain, and He loves you. Keep your eyes on Him and trust that everything He allows in your life is for His glory and your good.

May the following promises from God's word provide you with encouragement and comfort:

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - I Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." - Romans 5:3-5

"This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it...You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!" - Psalm 118:24; 28-29

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for my dear friend reading this. May they find comfort in you and the knowledge of your love for them. May they turn to you for comfort and guidance. If they do not have a personal relationship with you, may they come to know you and the riches of your grace. Grant them discernment and understanding. May they have a heart of gratitude, even during the darkest of times. Thank you for the knowledge that nothing is wasted in this life, and you use it all to strengthen and equip us to accomplish your purposes. Be with them in the week ahead.

In the name of Jesus,

Amen

Until next time, my friend, be blessed.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.