The Hope of Gratitude

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! —Psalm 105:4 ESV

I don’t have to tell you that life hurts. A difficult child, a frustrating job, a serious (or perhaps just suspicious) medical issue, a lingering sin habit, maybe something as life-altering as a divorce. Big. Small. Long-term. Everyday. There are so many things about our individual life experiences that occupy our thoughts, feed our fears, and add to our worries.

With the promises of God still in force—even in the midst of aching pain and struggle—with His peace and presence still available to those who rely on Him, we too often choose to find our solace in these two plaintive words: “Why me?”

If all our faith had to offer were words that only fit in a church service or a theological textbook, it would be unkind of me to extend them to someone who is struggling to survive. But true, Christ-centered, grace-motivated gratitude fits everywhere, even in life’s most desperate moments and difficult situations. Even when there are no “answers,” it gives hope. It transforms overwhelmed strugglers into triumphant conquerors.