It’s too easy to get all pessimistic and say that life just sucks. Sometimes I actually would rather wallow in my self-pity and the difficulties of life than take a hard look at all those things that I should be thankful for. In those moments, maybe the best thing to do is make a list of the great things that God has given us and say a big thank-you. Here goes.
1. Jesus
This one may seem obvious but it is often forgotten. We should never, ever get over the fact that the God of the universe sent His one and only Son to take our death and punishment while we were still sinners. We were unlovable, unforgivable, and unbelieving but He loved us anyway. Whatever happens in this life, nothing can ever take that away. I don’t have to go to hell when I die because of Jesus and that should be enough to make me shout for joy.
2. Family and Friends
God loves me and then He gave me people that love me too. It’s ironic because I’m usually too busy complaining to these people about how much my life sucks to realize that I should be thanking God that I have someone other than Him to complain to. God is always enough for me, but it sure is nice having some other people around also.
3. Passions
There are things in this world that excite me. From the simplest to the grandest, the world is God’s creation and it is filled with things I love. That is really awesome. God not only gave me life and breath and salvation, He gave me purposes and passions on this earth. I can wake up every day and do things I love to do and see things I love to see even though I’m a sinner that is deserving of any joy. How can I not be grateful for that?
4. A Place To Serve
God has also provided opportunities for me to take part in what He’s doing. I actually get to carry out God’s plan for the world. We usually think of God’s commands as rules that we have to follow to be good Christians. In reality, they are actually God’s invitation to us to be a part of His work across the globe. No matter where I am in the world, I can join in the mission happening all around me.
5. A Future
The best part of it all is that I serve a God that holds the future in His hands. I know that I will always have a future. Whether it’s doing His will for me on this earth or spending eternity in heaven, there is always a future of hope ahead of me. I will spend endless days worshipping Him and that’s all that matters.
So when life really gets me down, I can look around and see that God isn’t finished with me yet. If I’m struggling, it means I’m still alive. Sometimes, we just need to look through the difficulties and see the blessings because it’s never as bad as it could be as long as God is still my God. He always will be.
