As I reflect on the many blessings in my life and all the things for which I am most grateful, I find myself smiling because I am certain I would not have seen such things in a positive light initially. As I look back, I see the gracious, merciful, and faithful hand of God at work in my life. I can now look at my life and find gratitude in unusual things.
1. I am unusually thankful for the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
I have had seasons in my life where I was rebellious towards God. I may not have said as much, but that was the true status of my heart. In those seasons, while His voice may have grown fainter, He never stopped pursuing me. The more He molds me into His image, the more grateful I am for His loving conviction and correction in my life. His abundant mercy on me is the only reason I am here writing to you today. Of this, I am eternally grateful.
For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There is no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. (2 Corinthians 7:10 NLT)
2. I am unusually thankful for trials that point to my need for Jesus.
I have faced plenty of trials in my life. I battle chronic illness and infertility. My husband and I have experienced tremendous financial hardship in the past, which naturally created more tension in our marriage in those seasons. I have struggled with anxiety and depression at times as well. In each of these hardships, the thing which remains abundantly clear is I deeply and desperately need Jesus. These trials draw my heart away from pride and towards my deeply rooted need for a Savior. I cannot walk through this life without the salvation and empowering of the Holy Spirit.
3. I am unusually thankful for godly friendships and accountability.
I am a part of a church body that truly walks in edification the way the Bible commands. I cannot begin to tell you what this has done for me in my walk with God and love for the Church. I am grateful for godly correction, confession of sins one to another, commitment to maintain unity, commitment to follow what is biblical instead of what’s popular, and godly fellowship with like-minded believers. And I have finally begun to experience this, and it is truly a beautiful and life-giving thing.
Thankfulness is a choice. Seeing the hand of God in these unusual places gives me a new resolve to choose thankfulness. I can tell you from personal experience that choosing to be thankful will change your entire perspective on life.
As you begin to think through what you’re unusually grateful for, you might consider the questions below.
Application Points:
- Ask yourself: How has God pursued and convicted your heart?
- Ask yourself: Have you experienced God’s faithfulness during trials or times of suffering?
- Ask yourself: Are you engaged in a community which promotes repentance, commitment to God’s Word, fellowship, and unity?
- Ask yourself: What are you unusually thankful for? Use the Quiet Time Companion’s “Today I’m Thankful For” section under the Quiet Time tab to write your answers.
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About Tiffany: Lives in Alabama with her husband, Lex. She works at a local Credit Union and volunteers at her church, where she serves as a worship leader. |