My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you. —Psalm 71:23
When we’re going through difficulties, gratitude isn’t usually our go-to attitude. But as Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth often says, “Anything that makes me need God is a blessing.” So in your hardship, start with, “Thank You, Lord, that You’re revealing my need for You.”
I’ve been using James 1:2–4 to guide me through difficult times for many years, and I’ve written a lot of lists of thanks to God. It has helped me gain perspective and has calmed my emotions. And even more, it has produced joy in my life, just like James 1:2 suggests.
In the time it takes for me to write my list of what I’m thankful for, my circumstances don’t change. Yet my heart has always changed. It starts slowly at first, but deep within I can feel the joy and confident certainty that I can trust God. It bubbles up and washes away the fear, the doubt, the grumbling, the anxious spirit in me. Writing a list of thanks is like turning on the joy generator in my spirit.
Make it Personal
What benefits have you experienced because of choosing to be grateful?