Describe gratitude.

Go ahead. Take a moment.

What are you thankful for?

It could be the traditional mentions: family, shelter, food, church, friends.

Close your eyes. Be still. Thank the Lord. What just popped into your mind?

I bet it isn’t anything negative. Let me clarify. Negative in the way the world defines it.

Tough times.

Scary moments.

Uncertainty in what tomorrow holds.

Tragedy. Illness. Disappointment. Sadness. Fear.

Sometimes the worst situations turn into life-defining moments. And while you may never have asked for it, God may allow you to walk through it.

That diagnosis. That divorce. That dismissal from your job.

Have you considered this, too, is worthy of gratitude?

Through Him, all is glorified. Through Him, we are held. Through Him, our soul-needs are met. I encourage you to wait on the Lord. Surrender. Trust. Obey.

The Bible tells us of God’s great love for us. He is our strength. He is our salvation. He is our song. And when the negativity clouds our vision of Heaven, stop. Breathe. Sing His praises. 

Life doesn’t always go the way we think it should. But we are becoming a new creation; a refining through the trials and tribulations.