I have a confession to make on this during this season of thankfulness: sometimes gratitude is hard. I think it is okay to admit that. And I believe God understands. But I also know that he wants to help us change our perspective on gratitude.
WHEN GRATITUDE IS HARD
The Bible commands (strong word…no getting around it!) us to be thankful in all things.
“Be thankful in all circumstances…”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)
So what do you do when you are physically, emotionally, relationally, mentally, and spiritually drained?
When the cares and the heaviness of living in this world weigh you down to the point of exhaustion?
When prayers get stuck in the back of your throat because you are spiritually parched and dry?
How do you give thanks?
WHERE TO GO WHEN GRATITUDE IS HARD
When I reach this point (and I am definitely there as I sit and write this!), I turn to two things for help:
- God’s Word, the Bible.
- The words of wise and godly men and women.
You have probably guessed by now that I am a lover of words.
- An aptly spoken word.
- The written word.
- Poetic words.
- Words of wonder and worship.
- Words of wit and wisdom.
- The Living Word which became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14).
I turn to words to not only express the deepest longings of my soul, but to nourish and strengthen my spirit.
HOW TO TURN TO WORDS WHEN GRATITUDE IS HARD
Today, I can be thankful for words.
I can be thankful for those who can express what I cannot when I am weak and weary.
For those people who use words in such a way to touch the depths of who I am.
One such woman is Ruth Bell Graham.
You may be more familiar with her world famous evangelist husband, Billy Graham, but Ruth was an accomplished author and poet who began writing at an early age.
Several years ago a mentor gave me a book of her Collected Poems and I have turned to them often when I have run out of words.
Her poems are intimate, authentic, and always speak to me right where I am with both grace and truth.
I am grateful for the way she crafts words that are a soothing balm to my cracked soul.
I am honored to share some of my favorites with you.
From Ruth Bell Graham’s Collected Poems:
~-~-~~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~
Lay them quietly at His feet
one by one:
each desire, however sweet,
just begun;
dreams still hazy, growing bright;
hope just poised, winged for flight;
all your longing each delight–
every one.
At his feet and leave them there,
never fear;
every heartache, crushing care–
trembling tear;
you will find Him always true.
men may fail you, friends be few,
He will prove Himself to you
far more dear.
~-~-~~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~
So helpless a thing my heart
–and, oh, so small–
all overwhelmed, it looks to You for strength,
nor looks in vain;
long it has struggled on, and now at length
is crushed again.
Eager with expectation, rising
but to fall,
wearily it longs for that great Rock
“higher than I,”
where, with Your strength absorbing every shock,
calm shall I lie.
Be encouraged.
Be strengthened.
Be thankful!
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I really enjoyed the link “Thankful Thursday’s” all the prayers etc.. Would love to keep getting good stuff!
Welcome, Traci Lyn! It is a privilege for me to meet you here AT THE CROSSROADS. I hope you will join us each week for #MindfulMondays and #ThankfulThursdays!
How I relate to your message. Ruth Bell Graham has been a source of encouragement for me as well.
We share a love of words.
Yes, we do! My love of words started at a young age with you!
Carla, your Mom gave me a book of Ruth Bell Grahams’ poems several years ago. I treasure it. I just read your blog and had to hand write the poem, “So helpless a thing my heart, and oh so small”. Today those words spoke volumes to me. I feel as if I were a “child” sitting at Jesus’ feet and He knew exactly what my need was. Such a sense of His presence. Love you. Judy Cefaratti
Thanks for that encouragement, Judy! I am so thankful that this spoke to you and brought you to His feet. Love you too!