I love it when Scripture, speakers and other readings all combine with what the Holy Spirit is telling me – that clinging to resentment is the greatest evil I face right now in my life. And I have found it to be true, that when I can set that aside, and live in the gratitude and love of my King, that even when I am faced with inexplicable “blues”, I can have far greater peace.

“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psa 107:1 ESV)  That phrasing occurs 16 times in Scripture.  Thanks – because of our Lord’s steadfast love.  Gratitude. For. Unchanging. Immovable.  LOVE.

I am not always there.  So often I want to sit and stew in my anger and resentment at the injustice of my circumstances.  Focus on all the things I want and don’t have (and may never have), instead of focusing on God’s work in and through me, in spite of and maybe even because of my challenges. Because He loves me enough to not let me stay where I am.

Do I really want to resent His perfect work in my life?  As an all consuming fire He often uses pain and suffering to burn off the chaff so I can move forward in His grace and the freedom only He offers. He does this because I am His child and He loves me. So I need to choose between stewing in my resentment or dwelling in gratitude and His arms of love.

My situation and challenges may be unchanged.  But with God’s help – I will be changed.  And for that- I am grateful.

“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. (Heb 12:28-29 ESV)