Giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. —Ephesians 5:20
Through emails and letters to Revive Our Hearts, I often hear from individuals who’ve chosen to be thankful in the midst of adversity. They tell of family histories filled with abuse and neglect, whole childhoods of instability, and yet looking back on all that it cost them, they’re grateful for what God has done.
Years lost to rebellion, deception, and apathy, still paying for their bad choices with frayed relationships and mountains of regret, yet able to rebuild on the backs of forgiveness and genuine repentance, and despite many things left to undo and repair, they’re grateful for what God is accomplishing.
No, the days don’t always get easier. The nights can still drag until utter exhaustion finally pulls a person under for a few hours’ sleep. But those who say no to resentment and yes to gratitude, even in the face of excruciating pain, incomprehensible loss, and ongoing adversity, are the ones who really survive. They stand against the tide of memories, threats, loss, and sadness, and answer back.
With gratitude.
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Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy ©2009 Revived Hearts Foundation
Scripture taken from The CSB
Make it Personal
What can you choose to thank God for in the midst of difficult periods or circumstances in your life?