Gratitude

Recently, I saw a TV show where the mother encouraged her two young children to keep a gratitude journal. The seven-year-old son has life threatening illnesses and needs a transplant. The mom wants her children to look for the good things in their days when life seems devastating.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 118:1 (NIV)

This reminded me of the difficult times I’ve had in my own life and how God encouraged me to hang in there. He’s told me many times through prayer and his word that if he’s allowed me to come into those hard places, it’s because he knows that, WITH HIM, I can handle it.

Not everything in life has a happy ending. We take what we are given and walk on.

“You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 118: 28-29 (NIV)

In the unhappy endings, on the floor, weak and worn out, I've {eventually} reached out to my Savior.

“When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord: he brought me into a spacious place.  The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?  The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.” Psalm 118: 5-7 (NIV)

We don’t know why God allows bad things to happen, but from the “bad times” days of growth and revelation can happen. If WE allow it, good things will come out of adverse times.

Gratitude in the dark shines light.

“This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (NIV)

Have a blessed and grateful day!

Teresa

Scripture source: Holy Bible, BibleGateway.com: Psalm 118