“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” – Colossians 3:15
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Our world seems to be in a constant state of turmoil and unfortunately, this may seem true for our personal lives as well.
However, it is important to not be deceived into hopelessness. We must remember that Jesus did not come to bring false peace to the earth. In fact, He came to bring division between those who have chosen the way of the righteous and those who have not (Matthew 10:34).
Thankfully, as believers, we need not be concerned with tangible things because we know these things are temporary. Certainly, we should mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice; but remember — even in those seasons of mourning — that you have an eternal hope of glory with God in heaven.
Therefore, whatever affliction you endure on earth is not worth losing hope in Christ Jesus or taking Him for granted. Knowing this, you must maintain a heart of gratitude by being thankful to the Lord even in the worst of times.
Some practical ways to exercise gratitude include keeping a record of all the great things God has done, casting your cares unto Him rather than complaining, and worshipping Him in every season, not just the good ones.
PRAYER: Lord, grow in me a heart of gratitude. Help me to not be deceived into hopelessness and despair anytime affliction arises, but to remember the eternal hope of glory that I have in you, in Jesus’s name. Amen.