It is safe to assume that everyone has experienced bouts of great sadness or depression. For some, these past few months, perhaps even years, have been extremely difficult. During those challenging periods, the sense of gloom can feel long-lasting and far-reaching. Below, we will discuss how having a sense of gratitude can improve our perspective and even alter our circumstances.
A Spirit of Gratitude
Outside of seeking warranted medical and professional healthcare, maintaining a spirit of gratitude is one of the greatest things we can do to counter sorrow. While being thankful in the face of adversity might seem counterintuitive and, at times, impossible, we should know that even in our darkest moments, we all have blessings for which we should be grateful. Additionally, our gratitude illustrates that even when we are faced with a superfluous amount of tragedy, those tragic moments account for only a fraction of our human experience. Gratitude reminds us that despair does not define us. Furthermore, gratitude is indicative of hope. If we find the things for which we are grateful, we can identify the sources of our hope so that when moments of despondency arise, we have something to live for.
Hope in the Darkness
When we express gratitude, our hope strengthens and becomes tangible. As our hope increases, so does our will to live. Even in nature, we see that a spark of hope can ignite a complete restoration. I observed that principle early this week in one of my neighborhood trees.
The Parable of the Tree
While walking in my community, I stumbled across a tree that had toppled onto the ground because the supporting plank did not provide a firm anchor. As I approached it, my heart welled with a surprising wave of emotions, and I felt sad when I noticed a newly blossoming flower hanging from one of its broken branches. Be that as it may, the observation served as an epiphany. The fallen tree with the blooming flower illustrated how every living thing on this planet has a proclivity for life. The flower was the tree’s symbol of hope—its proverbial declaration of faith. It was a reminder of the promise that tomorrow holds.
For those of you who are wondering what happened to the tree… A few days later, I passed by the area, and someone had replanted it. This time, it was firmly anchored, and the broken bole had been restored. After a few months, the tree was erect, and the once-supporting plank passively rested on its trunk.
Gratitude Can Turn Sadness into Joy
Just like the tree, we have to hang on to our hope. Again, hope increases in tandem with our gratitude. Furthermore, when we are filled with these a spirit of gratitude, God will respond. Oftentimes, He will even use our negative circumstances to bless us. In Romans 8:28, it says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (New International Bible, 1978/2011). So the next time we are experiencing a bout of sadness, we seek help, but then we should express gratitude. In that way, God can use our turmoil for our good.
Biblical Reference
New International Bible. (2011). The NIV Bible. https://www.thenivbible.com (Original work published 1978)