Finding Gratitude When the World Lets You Down: 4 Lessons from Psalm 73

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Finding Gratitude When the World Lets You Down: 4 Lessons from Psalm 73

When I place my eyes on this world and the things in it, my hope plummets, my joy tanks, and my praise doesn’t rise above the floor. My heart often drifts toward what this life has to offer in order to find satisfaction.

Whether it’s financial security, the perfect marriage, the recommended number of kids, physical health, or a trouble-free existence, we can chase after these things so doggedly that disappointment will overwhelm us if not obtained.

But this world we live in is:

  • Broken and searching for pleasure where true pleasure can’t be found.

  • Filled with imperfect people who will disappoint us.

  • Home to fragile bodies reminding us daily that we’re dust––wearing down, growing weary, and vulnerable to sickness and decay. 

As long as we reside on earth, we’ll face hardships that threaten to rob us of joy. Disappointment, comparison, and unfulfilled expectations can smother our ability to practice gratitude. But when we turn to God’s Word….

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When You Wrestle with Doubt | Hosanna Revival→

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When You Wrestle with Doubt | Hosanna Revival

I’m honored to be a guest contributor at Hosanna Revival | WHEN blog. You can find an excerpt below and click the link to read the full article.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as I read John the Baptist’s question to Jesus: “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another” (Matthew 11:3 ESV)? John’s earnest question conjured up memories of the times I also wondered where Jesus was and what he was doing––and if I had made a mistake in trusting him.

One of those times was when someone I thought I could always count on let me down. I battled doubt when chronic illness lingered for fifteen years of my life, and confusion plagued me when financial upheaval took up residence in my home. In the middle of the heartache, pain, and isolation, I questioned all I thought to be true.

John had similar questions as he languished alone in prison, awaiting execution––all because he had the courage to speak out with truth. The sentencing he received was not what he deserved, and it was out of his control. I imagine doubt crept in about Jesus’s….

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If You've Ever Asked, "Where is Jesus?"

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If You've Ever Asked, "Where is Jesus?"

While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.

Luke 24:15-16 ESV

Two men, Jesus’ disciples, are walking down a dirt road leading into the town of Emmaus. They witnessed the death of Jesus on the cross three days ago, and they just heard that His body has disappeared from the tomb where He was buried. The women told them an angel proclaimed Jesus had arisen from the dead, but they’re finding this news difficult to believe.

Heads hung low, and brokenhearted, they’re wondering how they could have gotten it so wrong. After all, when Jesus said He was the One they were waiting for––the One who came to set the captives free––they wholeheartedly believed Him. They’d sunk their hopes into His promise of a better life. But now, all those dreams have vanished, and they are filled with dismay.

Jesus begins to walk with them, matching their pace, and joins their conversation. “What are you talking about?” he asks. Despairingly, they stop and look….

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