Are you grumbly hateful? Or are you humbly grateful? I once heard this question while watching a movie. When I first heard it, I didn’t really get it. Once I gave it some thought it really rang true to me.
I know that you have seen the challenges on social media on thirty days of thankfulness. While I have never participated in these, I do think these are wonderful. This is the time of year that we need to be reflecting on all that we have and thanking God for these things. However, I believe that we should do more than just the thirty days. What about you?
As I reflect on the world and culture that we have created, I am finding that people are grumbly hateful not humbly grateful. Our world is more divided than ever. We spend our time complaining about things instead of focusing on the good things that are happening. Now you might say that you do not have anything to be grateful for. I know the feeling. I have had many seasons in my life that it seemed like my world was falling apart. I was literally holding on by a thread. God never promised us a perfect life. He does promise us that He will be with us though every trial. Isaiah 43.2 says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
I think it is time that we focus more on being humbly grateful. God’s word says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). So when we are grateful we will have the peace of God in our hearts. I don’t know about you, but I want the peace of God in my heart always.
As you take a minute to think about all of things that you are grateful for, please listen to the song Grateful by Elevation Worship.
Do you have trouble waiting for things? I sure do! I was in the grocery store one day and overheard a little boy asking his mother for something. I will never forget what he said, “I want it, and I want it now.” This might sound a little concerning to you, however, is this not what we do in our lives? When we are praying for things in our lives such as a preferred job, chronic health issues, or a rebellious child, we want the answer, and we want it now. God becomes our drive through prayer window at our favorite fast food restaurant. When God doesn’t answer our prayers right away, we are crushed.
Waiting is hard! We have all heard the term, in God’s timing. What does that mean? Well, I am sure that Sarah and Abraham probably felt like giving up when they did not conceive right away after the Lord promised them a son. It was all in God’s timing to give them the promised son ten years later.
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Isaiah 40.31, “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” This verse gives me comfort to know that when we wait, we will have a renewing of our strength. I don’t know about you, but I want to be like an eagle. The more we focus on God, the more we will be joyful and have the peace that only God can give.
Sure, waiting is hard, but we must remember that “weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” (Psalms 30.5). So, sit back and enjoy the ride. Know that God has your back and the answer is on the way. God is making a way on your behalf, and He will never let you down.
So, while we wait, could we still have comfort and joy? I think so!
