I was doing my daily devotion with the Lord when suddenly, my mind shifted to the reality that I am very sick. The supposedly enjoyable time with God was replaced with murmuring and ingratitude as I became impatient with my condition, “Lord, please heal me now. I know You can do it if you will. I am tired of staying inside this house. I want to go out and work.” As I came to my senses, I immediately brushed off these wandering thoughts and regained my focus on the Lord.
Right after I had my quiet time, I eagerly grabbed my phone to log in to my social media account. As I was browsing, I came across an article written by my previous colleague that I have not heard any news about. I got curious, so I opened the link and continued reading until the last word. It was an article intended to raise fund for her beloved husband who is suffering from a chronic disease. I was shocked and felt sad about this colleague as I have ministered to her in the past. I immediately sent a private message and asked about the condition of her husband. She told me that her husband is battling this chronic disease since 2015. The thought came rushing in my mind. It has been almost three years now. Since then, they have been seeking for financial help from authorities and organization to be able to raise almost $22,000.00 for his operation. I was taken aback. “Praying for your husband. The Lord holds our life,” was the only comfort I could possibly extend.
As we ended our conversation, a sense of guilt crept inside my heart. A few minutes ago, I was just complaining to the Lord and asking Him to heal me as soon as possible. My situation fails in comparison with what she’s going through. She’s the breadwinner and a mother of three. I could not imagine how hard her situation is. I realized that I don’t even have the right to complain. I am not in the position to grumble because I am still blessed with so much things. Being able to wake up and do my devotion today or having this energy and wisdom to write – these are something I could be grateful for. And yet, here I am with the endless litany of my seemingly hopeless situation. And out there, people are suffering, in pain, undergoing trials, and even experiencing persecution more than I could ever imagine.
I immediately repented of that sin of ungratefulness and asked the Lord to help me count my blessings and give thanks no matter what.
“Lord, thank you for another day to live.”
“Lord, thank you for a supportive family and friends.”
“Lord, thank you for your daily provision that despite not being able to work, you are providing for my needs.”
“Thank you for everything, Lord, and please forgive me.”
It felt like after uttering these thanksgiving and prayers, the peace and comfort of the Lord dwelt in me. The burden that I felt earlier was suddenly replaced with joy.
Thankfulness and gratefulness are the antidote of depression. The Apostle Paul reminded the people of Thessalonica to give thanks in all circumstances because it is the will of God concerning them (1 Thessalonians 5:18). It is still true to us today. That is why we always need to remind ourselves to count our blessings and give thanks for everything. Often times, when circumstances overwhelm us, our initial reaction is to complain and grumble. This reminds us of the story of the Israelites who did not do anything but complained to the Lord. As a result, they never learned to see and experience the true God who truly cared for them. I hope that we never want our lives to be a reflection of these ancestors’ mistake.
We have different circumstances, pains, and battles in life. I also experienced such. Nonetheless, whatever you and I are facing, we are commanded to give thanks. Life is short. Let us learn to appreciate things and people. Let us count our blessings and we would know how many and much we are receiving. We may not understand why we are in this event or situation, but the Lord does not owe us any explanation. He is God and we are His creation. If you are in a circumstance that you think is unbearable, don’t look down or sideways, or throw a tantrum out of it. Instead, on bended knees, look up! You’ll see that the Lord is looking down on you.
Is there any ungratefulness in your heart that is grabbing you from totally experiencing the joy and peace of God? Cast it all unto the Lord for He cares for you.
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