The Power of Gratitude
Adapted from Healing the Soul of a Woman
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
When you are hurting, it might seem like being thankful is a difficult thing to do, but being thankful is very powerful. No matter what has been done to us that is unjust, God will bring justice and has promised to even give us double for our former trouble (Isaiah 61:7). We all have things to be thankful for, no matter how many difficulties we might be facing. Focusing on what is good in your life will really help because what we focus on becomes larger than what we don’t focus on.
Focusing on, thinking about, and talking about your pain and the injustices done to you only make them seem larger and more impossible to deal with. I can promise you from God’s Word and my experience, as well as the experience of many others, that God won’t let you down. He will bring justice; He will pay you back for what you have lost or missed out on in life. No one can tell you exactly when that will happen, but while you wait, be thankful and know that God’s timing in your life will be perfect.
Not only is being thankful a good and powerful thing to do, but it is also God’s will that we do so. You may not feel like being thankful but do it on purpose and do it often. It will make you feel better, and your joy will increase because you are focusing on something positive.
You can even thank God for things that have not happened yet, believing that He is faithful and that the reality of His promises will soon be seen in your life. You can thank God that He is working in your life, and that His justice is on its way to you. You can thank God that your past doesn’t have to define you, because you know that He has a good future planned for you.
Usually we want to see something before we will believe it is true, but God requires that we believe and trust in His Word even before we see the answer to our prayer. Jesus said that if we believe, we will see the glory of God (John 11:40). God’s Word says that we should be anxious for nothing, but in all things pray with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). Be sure to notice that He said, “Pray with thanksgiving.” Anyone can ask God for something they want, but spiritual maturity is required for someone to be thankful before they get what they want.
I can assure you that God is working in your life right now. You may not feel anything or see anything changing, but in time you will. You have many victories that are on their way to you, so don’t give up. God may deliver us little by little, but each little victory is one step closer to total restoration.
Prayer of the Day: Lord, thank You for working in my life even when I don’t see it. Help me stay thankful, trust Your timing, and believe for the victories You’ve promised, amen.
