It’s been a long year. I’ve lost two of my favorite people, battled annoying physical issues and been blindsided by multiple challenges. These circumstances often left me ungrateful even though God wove in wonderful and unforgettable moments amid the woeful and wearisome. The year has simply left me tired and unsure of what’s next. But the last few weeks have also given another perspective. It’s time to honor gratitude.
As Christians, we are called to give thanks in all circumstances. Realistically that’s easier some days than others. Instead we often complain, ask why, or are mad at what God gives and allows. It’s difficult to be thankful when struggling to keep our heads above water. But in all my circumstances, especially the not so good ones, I’ve always known and felt God’s presence. For that I am grateful.
God doesn’t expect us to be perfect. In fact He knows better than anyone we aren’t. Which is why He’s always faithfully present. He fully comprehends our imperfection and sent Jesus to save us and the Holy Spirit to speak to us. So in the moments we don’t understand, want to cry, pull our hair out, or throw up our hands, we can instead call upon God and shift toward gratitude.
We do this not because we want to or should, but because we can. The gift of God’s saving grace ensures a heavenly home for those who believe. But God’s grace doesn’t begin when this life ends. His grace also provides the gift of His in-dwelling peace and presence right now.
Right now-in the midst of the mess, loss, hurt, rejection and pain this life can bring, God is here. God won’t always change what’s happening to us. But He will always be present with us.[tweetthis]God won’t always change what’s happening to us, but will always be present with us #gratitude #trust [/tweetthis]
Sometimes life isn’t fun. Often it’s painful, sad, and worrisome. It throws curves when we’re expecting the fastball. It zigs when we want to zag and leaves us breathlessly swinging to keep up.
But we shouldn’t let the swinging, zagging and worrying make us lose sight of what we already possess-God’s presence, peace, and grace. He’s here with each us. Even when we feel no one can fully understand. God can and does and He’s right here fully understanding everything about us. We’d be wise to remember this. {I just heard this fantastic song, Remember by Lauren Daigle (love her!) that reminds us to remember God’s faithfulness and presence in everything.}
This Thanksgiving and holiday season when everyone else is merry and thankful, circumstances may tempt us to not feel the same. Yet, I’m remembering while I may not be thankful for everything, I am grateful for His never ending presence in everything.
Instead of feeling sad, worried, or unsure of the future, I’ll simply shift my perspective and honor gratitude. I will give thanks to and for the God who created me, saved me and never, ever leaves me.
Honored to link up with this special gift guide from Crystal Storms-check it out!
Thank you Jill for your post. I can appreciate much of what you shared and can relate and even feel in my own life. I am thankful and appreciative but yet there seems to be something missing in that joy that we are to feel. Not sure what it is. My faith in Jesus is strong and he is the one I have many a conversation with. But again I am thankful for the many family members and friends that I have in my life and I include you in those. I appreciate you for who you are and for what you do in your encouraging posts. God bless you and your family and have a very blessed Thanksgiving!
Thank you Marty-yes the joy is ever present due to our faith, yet it can also be simultaneously bittersweet and a bit duller due to what life brings. Keep talking to Jesus, He never leaves us. Blessings to you and yours this Thanksgiving and Christmas season.
I’m sorry you’ve had such a tough time lately, but it’s true that there is always something to be thankful for. It makes a big difference when we can lift our eyes above our circumstances to look to God!