Gratitudeනියැදිය

Gratitude in the Valley

Life is hard. Jesus tells us in John 16 that we will have trouble. You’ve probably heard it said that you are either in a storm, coming out of a storm, or about to go into one. We know that challenges will come, but that doesn’t make it any easier to walk through them.

We’ve all experienced a valley - loved ones die, finances are tight, we lose the job, our kids make bad choices, work is stressful, we get rejected… It’s in these dark moments that God is seemingly far away. The valleys of life are actually the best time to know God intimately.

In Hosea, God paints a picture of how He leads us into the wilderness to speak tenderly to us. In Isaiah 51, we see God’s desire to bring comfort, compassion, and redemption in the midst of desolation. In Psalm 34, we read that God is close to those who are brokenhearted.

In our brokenness and suffering, we have the best opportunity to experience God’s character. If we never have need, how would we know God as provider? If we are never sick, how would we know God as healer? If we are never in need of comforting, how would we know God as compassionate and caring?

Finding gratitude in life’s valley seasons rests in worshiping God for who He is. Place your hope in His character and goodness. Rejoice in His sovereignty - His power and ability to know all things and choose the best outcome for your life. Thank Him for the closed doors because He doesn’t withhold good things from His children.