POWERHOUSE DEVOTIONALS: A GRATEFUL HEART AMIDST UNFAVORABLE CIRCUMSTANCES

By Orland Joshua Sarines

Job 2:10 "...Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?...”

When I was young, my parents would try to instill in me the value of gratitude by making me compare my life with those who were less fortunate. They would say things like, "How can you complain about your life when you have so much?", or "You must be grateful for the fact that you have enough food to eat, that you are capable of walking, or that you have your sight."

These thoughts come to mind whenever things do not go as planned. But would we still be grateful if we are the less fortunate being compared? Would we still be thankful if we were the ones who did not have enough to eat, who could not walk or see?

Apostle Paul gives the key to reframing our thoughts to be grateful for everything, even in difficult times.

”We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” - Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)

Many believers become bitter rather than better, while there are those of us who never mature in our lives as Christians because we are more focused on our pain, and not on the plan or the will of God in the midst of unfavorable circumstances. However, while we expect hardships and trials, what is rewarding is the promise of God in Romans 8:28 that “All things God work together for good for those who love Him...”

“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!” - Psalm 30:11-12 (NLT)

David also reminds us in the preceding verses that God can turn our mourning into dancing. We will inevitably run into troubles, sufferings, and dilemmas along our journey. Therefore, when life throws curveballs at us, may we not ask, “Lord why me?” Instead, “Lord what do you want me to learn?” Then trust God, keep doing what is right, and listen to His direction so that we will arrive at the destination that God has prepared for us.

We have to keep in mind that in spite of all these adversities, God is turning our greatest pain into an extraordinary testimony that will make us run back to him in worship and gratitude. Remember that God is not against us and that He chose our journey for Him to uplift and transform the lives of people around us.

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