A Month of Thanksgiving when you don't feel thankful

by Mary Williams

I am a Christian that loves Jesus, but I have also battled with times of sorrow and not feeling thankful or grateful. And that’s okay. Jesus knows my heart and my struggles. He loves me and forgives me. His mercy alone is enough to be grateful about but there are still days, negative thoughts will plague me.

November is the month we remember to be thankful and for some that can be difficult when trials and tribulations are heavy. Maybe you don’t feel thankful for life events that have happened this year to you or your family. Maybe you question, why me?

Jesus knows your heart is hurting. You have anger and sadness creating havoc in your spirit. Satan also knows you are hurting, and he whispers lies to further increase the pain you are feeling. These feelings can be numerous: guilt, unloved, unworthy, loneliness, grief, and abandonment are just a few.

I want to encourage you to fight back against these feeling of despair and depression. I want you to create an arsenal that includes four items.

· The Bible/Prayer

· Your written words

· Objects of hope and love

· Music

Bible/Prayer

Read your Bible and write down scriptures that fit your situation. These scriptures should give you encouragement and be an opposite/opposition to your discouragement. You can also write out prayers that address the feelings that overwhelm you. It’s helpful to write these things down before the attack of depression and desolation start. Just like any battle, you want your weapons ready before you need them.

Expect these times to come and be prepared to handle them.

Your written words

Type or write reminders that you are worthy, loveable, a child of God. Put down words to directly contradict the negative thoughts you may have. When dealing with grief over a lost loved one, write down happy memories and funny stories to remind you of the love and time you had together hear on Earth.

Objects of hope, love, and laughter

Find pictures, gifts, cards, letters, emails, something tangible. Something funny that will make you laugh or something that reminds you of what others have done or said for you to be blessed. It’s easy for the devil to say no one cares. If they cared, wouldn’t they this or that. I bet if you look around though you will find where they cared. Where they did something special just for you. Because you are special.

Music

When you read Psalms and the stories about Saul and music. Saul would have David brought to him to play music to sooth his spirit. Music is powerful. Be very careful what you choose. Make it joyful, upbeat, encouraging. I love worship music but when I am feeling despondent, I need praise music to lift my spirits.

I recommend you put together a small box for your weapons. When despair starts to come over you, open your box and retrieve your weapons of war. For this is war. Satan wants to control you by your emotions. He is a deceiver and a liar.

I may not know exactly what challenges you face today, but I know that God loves you and you matter. The enemy will send you a message of defeat, but God sends you a message of victory. Be victorious. The box is not meant to be used once and your done. It’s there for you to use every day, once a week, whenever you need.

Know that you are worthy and loved by the King of Kings and Lord of All!!

Scripture References

Romans 12:21

Phillipians 4:19

Phillipians 4:13

3 John 1:2

Zepheniah 3:17

John 3:16

Phillipian 4:6-7

Psalm 34:4-5

Joshua 1:9