“Sheri, look around. Can you be grateful for where you are now?” The words came to my mind as only a thought, but they had the unmistakable “sound” of my Heavenly Father’s voice.
I pondered the question and answered honestly, “NO! There’s nothing to be grateful for here!”
Our little family lived on the third floor of an apartment complex in Asheville, NC. The two tiny bedrooms would soon be bulging almost as much as my middle. Our second child was on the way, and I had dragged our real estate agent all over the area in search of an affordable home that could accommodate us.
We had just finished another dead-end tour and my frustration peaked. The situation seemed completely impossible and I told the Lord how unhappy I was with His seeming unwillingness to help us. I probably wouldn’t answer with such raw vulnerability today—but that day, I did.
The question came to me again, gently and ever-so patiently. “Sheri, what can you be thankful for right here?”
I will forever be grateful for that moment. It became a marker that changed me as a leader, writer and mentor for the rest of my life.
With tears still flowing, I walked around our 800 square feet and obediently spoke aloud points of gratitude: lovely cabinets, a garbage disposal, a washer and dryer, and a great view of a neighbor’s garden.
The listing picked up momentum and by the time I finished, my perspective had shifted. The tears had changed from frustration to genuine appreciation.
When faced with situations of impossibility, we do well to choose a positive perspective. Anytime we allow ourselves to move from an attitude of appreciation to expectation, it will quickly turn to frustration. Gratitude interrupts that unproductive cycle.
Here are five steps I’ve learned to utilize when wrestling with my thoughts over mountains that seem unmovable.
- Find the silver lining.
As a teen, my mom would often encourage me to look for silver linings in the storm clouds. That simple exercise kept me “looking up” until a solution would become clear. “We know that in all things God works for the good…” Romans 8:28
- Smile.
Not only will you experience an automatic facelift, but studies show that smiling will lower your heart rate and reduce stress levels. The act of intentionally switching from a scowl to a more pleasant expression can also change your internal disposition.
“Those who look to him for help are radiant with joy…” Psalm 34:5
- Stay positive.
A positive mindset actually improves brain function and will enhance your ability to think more clearly. Creativity naturally bubbles up from an attitude of possibility. Take a moment and list what you have to be grateful for in your current situation; it can help you change to a positive outlook.
“Rejoice in the Lord always, again I’ll say, Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
- Rehearse victories.
Reminding ourselves of God’s faithfulness in past situations shifts our focus from the mountain of impossibility to what IS possible. I love this quote from Elisabeth Elliott, “If you believe in a God who controls the big things, you have to believe in a God who controls the little things” He who controls it all loves us too much to be unkind. Rehearse miracles you’ve already seen and faith will build for what can be next.
“I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.” Psalm 77:11
- Read scripture aloud.
We tend to believe what we hear ourselves say much more than what any other voice might say. That’s why I routinely read God’s word aloud, especially when my thoughts are negative. Whatever your problem, there is a scripture promise to address it. Search out the hope found in God’s promises and start reading those aloud. Watch for what God will do.
“For the word of God is living and active…” Proverbs 18:21 “The power of life and death are in the tongue…” Hebrews 4:12
Eventually, we found just the right house to meet the needs of our growing family. It exceeded what I hoped for, and in the waiting, I learned the importance of staying grateful. It’s an attitude of gratitude that can move mountains of doubt.
Question: When has gratitude been a useful tool in your life journey? I’d love to hear your faith-building story.
