Spiritual guidance powered by AI and grounded in Scripture
Your Question:
How can I still be grateful when everything is taken away?
Answer:
As a pastor, I've seen many people struggle with feelings of hopelessness and despair, especially when things seem to be taken away from them. But I want to remind you that the skill of thankfulness can hold even the darkest depression at bay. It's a choice we make, even when things seem impossible. When we come before God, thankfulness begins by knowing that we are spiritually destitute, and that He is the one who gives us what we can't give ourselves. I've learned that Scripture is a powerful tool in cultivating gratitude. Take time to read it, and write down the reasons you can be thankful every time you read. Use your meal times as opportunities to give thanks, and let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Remember, joy is not just about gratitude, but about the beauty of God and the goodness in all things. When we focus on the greatness of Christ, our hearts become thankful, and our spirits are renewed. When I feel like giving up, I try to take an inventory of the blessings in my life, not just the difficulties. I think about my wonderful wife Susan, my children Joshua and Rebecca, and the many good things God has given me. I remember that I'm not worthy of His blessings, and that they are a gift from Him. When I pour out my thanks to Him, I find that even in the darkest times, there is always something to be grateful for.
Sources:
depression
edward welch
philippians colossioan philemon
r kent hughes
confronting christianity
rebecca mclaughlin
mere christianity
c s lewis
building dynamic faith
jerry falwell
sacred marriage
gary thomas
ephesians
darrell bock
my utmost for his highest
oswald chambers
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