Gratitude in Every Season: A Reflective Guide
What kind of season are you in right now? Take a moment to think about one thing that is going well and one thing that is challenging or frustrating… Keep them in mind as you read.
Our Past Shapes Our Present
We all have moments of joy and difficulty that shape our lives. Have you noticed that two people can go through the same experience and come away with different feelings? Take, for example, watching a movie with friends: some may love it, while others feel unimpressed. This diversity of reactions stems from our unique perspectives, which we’ll see reflected in a passage from the book of Ezra.
The story in Ezra takes place after the city of Jerusalem had been invaded and destroyed. The people had been captured and forced to live in a foreign country for 70 years. Imagine losing everything and being forced to leave your home behind - so devastating. When a new king came on the scene, they were finally allowed to return. Led by Ezra, the returning Israelites were devastated to see their city in ruins, including their cherished temple built by their ancestors. But instead of despairing, they chose to rebuild the temple, laying its foundation as an act of hope and worship. We pick up the story as the foundation was completed in Ezra 3:10-13:
10 When the builders had laid the foundation of the Lord’s temple, the priests, dressed in their robes and holding trumpets, and the Levites descended from Asaph, holding cymbals, took their positions to praise the Lord, as King David of Israel had instructed. 11 They sang with praise and thanksgiving to the Lord: “For he is good; his faithful love to Israel endures forever.” Then all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord because the foundation of the Lord’s house had been laid.
12 But many of the older priests, Levites, and family heads, who had seen the first temple, wept loudly when they saw the foundation of this temple, but many others shouted joyfully. 13 The people could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shouting from that of the weeping, because the people were shouting so loudly. And the sound was heard far away.
When the foundation was completed, the people’s reactions were mixed—some were filled with joy, while others wept, remembering the glory of the original temple. Their response to the circumstances depended on their current viewpoint, as well as their past experiences. The same is true for you and me. Reflecting on our experiences can reveal how our past shapes our outlook on the present.
Perspective through Prayer and Gratitude
Calling to mind the current season you’re in, how might your past experiences shape the way you’re viewing your current situation? Can your perspective change how you respond?
Consider Paul’s words to the Thessalonian churches who were facing hardship and persecution. From the highs of witnessing many people transformed by the gospel, to the lows of prison and persecution, he was very familiar with reframing and maintaining his perspective. His encouragement in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 gives us guidance on responding to life’s victories and challenges.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
As hard as it may be, Paul’s words invite us to find gratitude even in difficulty. Consider how this approach might help reframe challenges as moments of growth and deepening your trust in God.
For me, November is full of highs and lows. I get to celebrate my birthday and Thanksgiving, but that joy is overshadowed with the sadness of missing my dad. He passed away in July of 2023. His birthday is also in November and he loved Thanksgiving. We shared a passion for all the delicious food, and even though I have so many other family and friends to celebrate with, I still miss seeing him at the table. How can I reframe these challenging feelings? To be honest, I’m still working on it, and if you’re in a similar spot, I’m here to tell you it’s okay. Psalm 34:18 reminds us that God is near to the brokenhearted. And as we’re discovering new ways to rejoice this season, He is right there with us.
Gratitude That Can Inspire
Take a moment to reflect on how you can find gratitude in both the good and challenging moments in your life. Ask God to help you see how even difficult times might bring you closer to Him, strengthen your relationships, and build resilience in your life. May your life be an example and encouragement to those around you.