Two-minute read.
“In,” not “for.” People misunderstand Paul’s words to the Thessalonians. The apostle tells us to thank God IN all situations, not FOR them. No one thanks God FOR a negative health diagnosis, but they do thank God IN the situation for the doctors, nurses, medicines, and technology that help them get better. Creating a thankful heart means looking for the people, things, and events IN a situation to give gratitude, rather than focusing on the circumstance.
“Can’t see the forest for the trees” refers to someone so focused on the small details that they miss the big picture. In the same way, we can get fixated on a circumstance and lose sight of the blessings within it, not seeing the big picture and God’s presence. During my single years, I became fixated on my singleness, and I could easily overlook the friends and family who supported me through that season. I missed the forest for the trees by focusing on one small aspect of my life rather than the bigger picture.
As I waited for my husband, often, not so patiently, God used that period to refine me. The Lord brought people into my life who helped me learn how to have healthy relationships. When I discovered the Great Commandment, love God and others, it changed my life. As I took myself out of the center seat of my world and began submitting to the Creator, placing Him at the center of my universe, transformation began to happen.
Thankfulness started to develop in my heart as I recognized the blessings God had given me. Through countless layoffs at my company, the Lord protected me. I had a stable home, with an overflow of food and water. As I became involved in church, I developed a network of friends who rallied around me and still walk with me today, cheering me onward.
Following the Savior continues to develop a thankful heart within me. As I give more and more of my life to Him, I find it easier to praise the Lord. Each breath I take gives me a reason to thank God. When my feet hit the floor in the morning, I offer up praise. Every devotion, every book, every project I get to do, I offer gratitude to the Creator for letting me do His work. Jesus teaches me to live intentionally, with my eyes focused on Him, aligning my heart’s desires with His, and when I do, it cultivates thankfulness in my heart.
Cultivate a thankful heart by keeping the Son in your eyes. Ask the Lord for help if needed, to find things IN your situation to thank Him for today. No matter what you face in the next 24 hours, God goes with you. He has a plan, and it will unfold, all while the Lord gives you the strength to persevere and find reasons to give Him praise.
Journal Questions:
In what situation are you too focused on the forest instead of the trees?
What’s one thing in your current situation you can thank God for today?
How can you cultivate a thankful heart with Jesus?
Application:
Gratitude is a daily choice.
