When God Could’ve but He Didn’tSample

Thankful = Peace

My heart has been broken a good number of times before. I remember one night, after nights of crying and mornings of puffy eyes, I recalled what God’s Word says—in every situation, pray with thanksgiving. I locked myself in the bathroom, looked at myself in the mirror, and with all of my heart I thanked God in between sniffs and sobs.

“Lord, thank You,” I said. “I don’t understand what’s happening, and it’s really painful, but thank You for whatever reasons You’re allowing this to happen.” When I woke up the following morning, it was like God has made my heart new and I have leaped forward to moving on.

During our season of mourning the death of our first child, I was brought back to the same Scripture. Even when it didn’t make sense, and even when I really didn’t feel like it, I stepped out in faith and obedience and thanked God in my prayers. Oh, it was tough! But it’s true that when we do, God’s peace will put us at ease. Beyond comfort, it will guard our hearts and minds from any lies that will hinder us from healing.

Read today’s Scripture and then pray. And in your prayer, even when you feel so ungrateful for what you’re going through, thank God, present your requests to Him, and allow His peace to embrace you as He picks up the broken pieces of your heart.