When I clean my house for a special event, I become discouraged because I think that guests won't notice what I clean, only what I don't clean. This brings to mind a larger philosophical and spiritual question: Why do humans more quickly see what's wrong than what's right? We are more likely to remember rudeness than kindness. Crimes seem to receive more attention than acts of generosity. And disasters grab our attention more quickly than the profound beauty all around us.
But then I realized I am the same way with God. I tend to focus on what He hasn't done rather than on what He has, on what I don't have rather than what I have, on the situations that He has not yet resolved rather than on the many He has.
When I read the book of Job, I am reminded that the Lord doesn't like this any more than I do. After years of experiencing the prosperity, Job suffered a series of disasters. Suddenly those became the focus of his life and some conversations. Finally, God intervened and asked Job some hard questions, reminding him of His sovereignty and of everything Job didn't know and hadn't seen.
Whenever I start focusing on the negative, I hope I remember to stop, consider the life of Job, and take notice of all the wonders God has done and continues to do.
Consider Keeping a " thanks" journal. Write down each day one thing God has done for you.
When you think of all that's good, give thanks to God.
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