What Can You Do When You Feel Unthankful?
What can you do when you feel unthankful? Will you pretend to be thankful for the sake of your family and friends? How will you hide your feelings from God?
I understand when you feel unthankful. I’ve been through times in my life when I feel that way too. God knows I’m in so much pain as I write this post, that I feel unthankful right now. A friend said, “Just think, you’re taking part in Christ’s sufferings.”
That sounds spiritual, but that didn’t stir any noble feelings within me. I don’t want to take part in Christ’s sufferings. I want to feel better for Thanksgiving, I would have a pity party, but no one would, come, even if I sent out invitations.
How about you? Perhaps you moved to another city and miss your old neighborhood, your former church, and friends. If you held a job in the other city, you may grieve the loss of your job too. With so many losses, you may feel unthankful too.
In my aqua class, an acquaintance lost his daughter two weeks ago. He mourns the death of his daughter, and he’s not waving pompoms of gratitude. Can you identify with him?
With a recent divorce from an abusive man, one woman is thankful to be out of that nightmare of a marriage. However, she feels unthankful for the shattered dreams. Maybe you’ve gone through a similar experience and feel the way she does.
Be Honest with God.
What can you do when you feel unthankful? First, be honest with God. He already knows anyway. He’s waiting to hear from you. He loves you with an unconditional, unfailing love. Picture him saying, “Come, my beloved, sit with me and tell me. I won’t judge you or fill you with shame and guilt.”
Journal about Your Feelings.
Second, if you don’t have a friend, mentor, or pastor you can talk to about feeling unthankful, journal about it. Sometimes the act of pouring your feelings on paper and reading what you wrote aloud will provide release and comfort. Why not give it a try?
Romans 8:26: “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
Prayer: God, help me be honest with you about feeling unthankful. Amen.
What will you do this week about feeling unthankful?
Copyright © by Yvonne Ortega XI.XXI.MMXVII
