Grasping GratitudeSample

Desperate Measures

Grasping can evoke negative thoughts, such as with money. However, grasping can also be a desperate measure or attempt to reach a person, place, or thing. We all feel desperate for something or someone at some point.

This world is fast and furious. It's easy to get discouraged really fast if you watch TV, read the news, or look at social media for very long. I don't know about you, but I have often felt desperate for relief, comfort, strength, peace, and joy. And I know I'm not alone in this. Many of us have felt all these emotions simultaneously, a testament to the shared human experience.

Is there a quick solution to these emotions? I'm glad you asked. The short answer is YES!

Jesus gave us all the instructions in His Book, which I call "The Instruction Manual For All Things." We must first recognize His great love toward us, accept it as ours for the taking, and give it to others. In 1 John 4, we are told that we didn't love God first-He loved us first, and "that's why" we now love Him. He proved His love to us on that cross when He died for our sins.

One sure way of grasping some gratitude is to take our focus off of ourselves and put it on others. There is no greater way to get out of the pit than to serve others out of love. This act of service is not just a way out of the pit but a powerful tool that can transform our lives and the lives of others.

For the most part, we usually take care of ourselves, right? Jesus told us to love others as we do ourselves in a dozen verses! ( Rom. 13:9, Matt. 22:39, Gal. 5:14, James 2:8. Matt. 19:19, Lev. 19:18, Rom. 12:10, Mark 12:31& 33, Phil. 2:3-4, Rom. 13:8, Luke 10:27)

Look today for someone you can help in some way that relieves them. When you purpose yourself to seek out being a helping hand, you will find that your burdens start to feel lighter, Jesus is using you for His glory, and gratitude will spring forth!