Gratitude in the Midst of Trials

I said yes?

I agreed to record a podcast episode before my life drastically changed. 

My “yes” was followed by the loss of my husband David, some familial relationships, and ultimately my home.

I needed to relocate. 

Ironically, the tagline on my blog was being stretched and proven – helping others find purpose on the other side of pain. This podcast was scheduled smack dab in the middle of my pain. 

With a heavy heart, I contemplated rescheduling the recording, but I believed I would become complacent if I did not follow through with the assignment God had given me. 

I walked outside for a moment and was overwhelmed by the machinery and the people changing the landscape of the place I once called home.

How could answer questions on a podcast? Nothing about my life seemed the same? My heart ached with grief and loss, but the stirring in my spirit was stronger.

In the middle of the chaos, I felt the presence of God and allowed His word to envelope me.

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

 I Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV

Gratitude in the midst of this mess?

Was this the posture I needed in order to press forward?

I looked at the equipment, the trucks, excavators, and bulldozers and offered thanks.

The opportunity to give thanks forced me to change my perspective. I could no longer focus on the things around me that seemed to mock my peace, I had to offer thanks to the One Who is my peace.

We can no longer focus on the things around us that seemed to mock our peace, we must offer thanks to the One Who is our peace.

I expressed gratitude for the time God allowed me to live and love the man who had brought so much peace and happiness to my life.

I gave thanks for the personal growth I experienced in the midst of every trial and test.

“Thank you, Lord” flowed from my lips as tears streamed down my face. 

In that time of thanksgiving, He settled me and allowed me to prepare for the interview joyfully. 

Saying yes was the right thing to do.

Although there have been tests and trials, I have also experienced a great opportunity to testify of the faithfulness of God.

For that, I am grateful.

No matter the messiness of your current circumstance may God help you to choose a posture of gratitude in the midst of your trials. 

Reflection Questions:

Have you allowed a current trial or test to diminish your ability to give thanks?

What steps do you need to take today in order to say yes to a lifestyle of gratitude?

For more encouragement check out our YouVersion Devotionals.

Iris Bryant is a recent widow and mom of two young adults. She is passionate about helping women find purpose on the other side (or smack dab in the middle) of pain. She has served an online community at irispbryant.com for several years. She is also an adult adoptee and she created The Adoptees in Arms community to help adult adoptees find hope and peace in God’s word.  In addition to these ministries, Iris faithfully serves as a worship leader in her local church. When she is not writing or serving women, she enjoys reading, visiting the beach, and spending quality time with her family and friends.