It’s dark… literally, because it’s 7pm and it’s fall, but figuratively, it is more than that as social media and news continue to reveal the depravity of the human heart. Focusing on these horrid stories feels like a dark room with no light switch – overwhelming, dark, and sometimes isolating. I need some way to adjust my vision to let in a little more light. My flashlight is my relationship with Jesus and community with fellow believers, walking together and continuing to seek His word and truth. He’s the mainstay that is the only way to keep a grateful heart within my chest in heavy seasons.
How abundant are the good things you have stored up for those who fear you.
Psalm 31:19
Social media is full of “Christian-isms” and that’s just not helpful. So let’s get practical, How do we fit a mindset of “grateful” into life? First, John 16:24 tells us “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” So, pray, ask boldly to God that He might do a work in you to desire a grateful heart.
Another step might be to call a friend who you see has an abundantly grateful heart or lives from a place of contentment no matter the circumstance. Then, ask their secret. I’m grateful that as I was brought up my family focused on being thankful for what we were provided. We must first start small, look for it daily, and slow down. My son had a child’s devotional book that suggested we observe God’s creation and thank him for it with abundance.
Can we find beauty in the changing leaves or the rapid pace of technology? Can we recognize that all of this is within God’s dominion, power, and providence? Do we
recognize that even beyond the material items, God also controls the timing of it all too! You’re meant to be in the exact place that you are, and God has put before you everything you need in that second. So, the next time you look up and see a heart in a cloud or you look down into a still puddle of water and it reflects the blue sky above you; pause and be grateful that God’s design is all around us, providing daily proof of his control and dominion.
