GratitudeUzorak

God's logic puzzle to joy

Mysteries and puzzles are fun. I enjoy finding solutions to problems using logic and lateral thinking. I do a cryptic crossword every day because it forces me to think in a different way to find the correct answer.

In all my years of following Jesus, I’ve found a God who seems to defy human logic. For example, our human minds do everything to avoid pain, yet the Bible says that suffering is joy (Romans 5:3-5). By human logic, suffering is suffering. Nonetheless, the Bible does point us to the answers to life’s big questions if we put aside our broken human logic and instead seek after the creator’s intention. The Bible tells us in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I come that they may have life and have it abundantly." Then, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Put them together, and there’s the answer to one of life’s biggest questions. How can I have an abundant life? Gratitude. So simple, yet commonly in hardship because it’s not our natural instinct. Gratitude moves us from what we don’t have to what we do have. It takes us from a state of "I wish," comparison, hopelessness, and despair to alignment with the great "I am."

In times when joy and hope feel depleted, God’s logic puzzle leads us to the beautiful answer of gratitude. What are you grateful for?

Written by SUSIE HOLT