Thankful? How?
How can I be thankful in all circumstances? What’s to thank for when outcomes are different than expected and my expectations are mostly unmet? Oh, and did I mention all the loss and grief I’ve suffered? Why should I thank? How can I be thankful? My life turned out so different than I ever imagined it to. It’s like planning my dream vacation in Italy, buying the guidebooks, anticipating with excitement the experience of the Colosseum, the ruins of Pompeii, the canals of Venice, but when the plane lands, the flight attendant comes in to say, “Welcome to Holland.”
“Holland!”, I say. “What do you mean, Holland? I signed up for Italy. I’m supposed to be in Italy. All my life I’ve dreamed of going to Italy.” But there’s been a change in flight plans. You’ve landed in Holland and there you must stay.
So, how will I choose to respond when all dreams are shattered? And what about my expectations? And what about the losses I’ve suffered? Is it fair to expect me to be thankful? So, what happens when all dreams are shattered?
Perhaps many of you can identify with this analogy. So how can one be thankful in all circumstances? Consider the following signposts:
1. Acknowledge that God is sovereign
God makes no mistakes. He knows what He is doing in your life. Though it may be hard for you to accept and hard for you to understand, He has a plan for you. In Jeremiah 29:11 we read; “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.’” And in Isaiah 55:8-9 we read; “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’” Unless we can accept these truths, a thankful disposition would seem impossible. Acknowledging God’s sovereignty and trusting His Word is a good start to finding a thankful heart.
2. Allow God to open your eyes
Pray for God to help you see the beauty around you. Jettison your expectations and ask him for a grateful heart in your situation. Then cultivate gratefulness by opening your heart to new heights. Keep in mind how magnificent a view is on higher ground and climb every height to which God leads you.
3. Abide in Him
Despite applying all your will power, maintaining true thankfulness can only happen when you stay connected to the source of your strength. Never trust in your own abilities. Trust in God’s wisdom and drink deeply from His wellspring of grace. Ask to be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. Let His Word be in you. Believe His promises. Meditate on them and allow His eternal and dependable Word to feed your soul.
4. Stay focused on God’s goodness
Look for God! Seek His face! Notice His presence and be in tune with Him. Ask Him to speak to you. Run to Him with all your troubles. Don’t be oblivious to the beauty around you. See God in nature. Hear Him speak. Recall past experiences with God, and answered prayers. Redirect your thoughts and conversations if you must. God is very present and truly good.
Following these signposts will bring you to a place you didn’t know could be so beautiful! It is a place of peace and contentment, and a truly thankful heart. Declare His goodness over and over, and praise Him, praise Him, praise Him!
You will find joy you would never have wanted to pass up for an alternate route. And before you know it, you will see, with a very grateful heart, how beautiful “Holland” is!
Joanne Friesen
Steinbach, Manitoba
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