Are You Thankful?

The Power of Gratitude: Finding Thankfulness in Every Season

As we approach the end of the year, people often fall into two categories. There are those who look back and see God’s faithfulness throughout the year. They are filled with gratitude, thankful that God has sustained and kept them. Then, there are those who look back with disappointment, focusing on unachieved goals and unmet expectations. For this group, the year may seem like a failure, and they feel as though there is little to be thankful for.

If you find yourself in the latter group—looking at what didn’t go as planned—I want to encourage you to shift your perspective and embrace gratitude.

The Story of Matthew Henry

There is a powerful story about Matthew Henry, a well-known Bible scholar. On one occasion, as he was traveling to preach, he was attacked by robbers who took all his money and belongings. It would have been understandable for him to be angry, disappointed, or even question God’s protection.

However, when he arrived at his destination, he chose to respond with gratitude. Reflecting on the incident, Matthew Henry said:

• “I am thankful that I was the one robbed and not someone else.”
• “I am thankful that they took my money, but not my life.”
• “I am thankful that though they took all I had, it wasn’t much compared to the value of my life.”

Here was a man doing God’s work, yet he faced adversity. Instead of dwelling on what was lost, he chose to focus on what remained: his life and God’s grace.

Shifting Your Perspective

When you look back on your year, you may see dreams that were unfulfilled or goals that remain out of reach. Perhaps things didn’t go the way you hoped. But before you give in to disappointment, I encourage you to pause and look at your life.

Consider this: you are still here. That alone is a miracle. You don’t know how many dangers you have been shielded from, how many plans set against you were stopped, or how many traps were placed in your path that you never fell into. Yet, here you are—alive and protected by God’s hand.

The Power of Gratitude in Scripture

The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This verse doesn’t say to be thankful for all circumstances but in all circumstances. Whether things have gone well or not, gratitude is a choice—a posture of the heart.

When you stand in front of the mirror, see the work of God. See the gift of life. You may not have everything you wanted, but you have something far greater: the breath in your lungs, the love of God, and the opportunity for tomorrow.

Be Thankful

As this year comes to a close, don’t focus solely on what went wrong. Don’t allow yourself to fall into the category of people who overlook the miracle of life. Instead, choose gratitude. Say thank you for the life you have been given and the unseen battles you’ve already won.

Remember:

• You came into this world with nothing, and you will leave with nothing.
• Every day you are alive is evidence of God’s faithfulness.

So, take a moment today to say thank you to God. Not because everything has been perfect, but because you are here. You have a reason to be grateful.

God bless you  ~ Bishop Tee Nalo