Everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude. – 1 Timothy 4:4

What looks like a closed door to you could be God’s pathway to blessing. What appears to be a nightmare can become His dream for your life. And what may seem like the worst news you could possibly receive can actually be the point of a new beginning. This is because whatever God allows to touch your life is part of His plan for your future.

It’s easy to think of God’s goodness in a lighthearted way when everything seems to be going for us—a good job, health, a growing family, two new cars in the garage, and a house with several bedrooms. Life seems rich and full. But if we never learn to say “thank you” to the Lord, regardless of our circumstances, we haven’t learned the truth of James 1:17. “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”

Two dangerous attitudes can prevent us from living with grateful hearts. One is a sense of pride. When we become prideful, we believe that we have earned all that we have. When we have this attitude, we can expect to run headlong into trouble (Proverbs 16:18).

The second dangerous attitude is a debilitating sadness. The temptation to feel sorry for ourselves and even be depressed may pull at our hearts at times, but we need to respond by turning our eyes heavenward with a grateful heart: “Thank You, Lord. I’m hurting, and I know You understand. I don’t know how You will use this heartache I’m feeling, but I trust You to do just that—use it for Your glory and for my blessing.”

God loves to hear our words of worship and praise. When we thank Him for His constant care over our lives—even in times of difficulty—we are expressing our faith and trust in an omnipotent God who watches over every aspect of our lives.

Check out more from Tony Evans @Tonyevans.org