A Final Word on Thankfulness

I know, I know. You’re most likely tired of the subject by now. Thanksgiving is over. We’ve seen plenty of posts about it, but I want to bring one more dish to the table before it’s cleared.

Thankfulness for our unbelieving spouses.

Sometimes this is incredibly difficult, or nearly impossible, but I do believe it to be vital. Our human nature tells us to do the opposite—to hold a grudge or to even be justifiably judgmental. Especially in situations where we’re criticized or ridiculed for our faith. However, I believe there is a deeper meaning to why we are to give thanks for all things, including our trials.

One, it puts our eyes on God. In order to give thanks for a difficult person or situation, we have to purposely turn our eyes upward and acknowledge God’s power and presence in the circumstances.

Two, thankfulness is a direct contradiction to resentment. I find that when I go before God and thank him for husband, my resentment fizzles away. I can see reasons to be genuinely thankful for my husband, and appreciate him anew. How often we keep our eyes on the issues instead of upward on the One truly in control.

Three, in praying this thankfulness, we are changed. Our hearts become more in line with the Holy Spirit dwelling within us and with the image of Christ. When we stop fighting and come to the throne, we will find grace in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

Like I said, I know this isn’t easy, however holding onto the resentment expends a lot more energy. If this is an area you’re struggling in, start slow and small. Find one simple thing you can be thankful for about your spouse. Perhaps a smile as they left for work. A kind word to one of the kids. A weekly paycheck. The socks hitting the laundry instead of the floor.

Keep your heart open to God’s leading and life-changing grace. These are the steps to unconditional love—a love like the Savior held for us as He hung from the cross.

Praying and believing,
Dineen

Comments

[Millie]

It is so wonderful post to me.
Just stop fighting with what we experience, only show our praise to the Lord.
I think the first thing to change should be our hearts, not our circumstance or others.

[Millie]

It is so wonderful post to me.
Just stop fighting with what we experience, only show our praise to the Lord.
I think the first thing to change should be our hearts, not our circumstance or others.

[Linda at 2nd cup]

Thankfulness really should be a year-round theme, shouldn't it, but I know what you mean about being saturated with reminders. But I think this was a great post with specific reminders of why we are to give thanks in all things. I think you should recycle this post next Thanksgiving before the big day.

[Bunnygirl]

Not being American, I didn't have Thanksgiving Day here. But it's not a problem because every day can be a thanksgiving day. This is a great post and it's easy to think just on the bad issues and not on all the good things our husbands do. After all, we married them so they must be doing something right!

I am thankful today that though my husband is miles away on a business trip and in another time zone, he has still taken time out to call me every day to tell me he loves me and that he misses me. I've been getting emails too.
So thank you Jesus for a man that isn't afraid to say I love you and speak out his love regularly.
Amen

[Linda]

Thanks for reminding me. the Bible says to even give thanks for our trials. They happen to grow us spiritually.

[Amy]

I think sometimes us girls get so caught up in seeing the annoying things about our spouses that we forget the good qualities they have. We've got to count our blessings once in a while...

[Connie]

You are beautiful.. and such a gifted awesome ministry to the unyoked... thank you for your faithful..

even though my husband was a believer.. for many years.. our walk was not the same...and I prayed and prayed.. of course, I wanted his walk to fit in MY box... but God had a much bigger and better plan... He's smarter than I am too..
and in HIS time,,, He worked it out where my husband started walking his own walk in a much more beautiful walk, serving the Lord. I so stand in awe.. every day... over our precious Lord...

I could NOT have done that... for my ways... are not even close to HIS ways...

Thank you so much Lynn for your ministry.. that you encourage others

I love you

[Kathleen Marie]

What an excellent reminder and so much truth. In any situation bitterness, anger, resentment take a lot more energy and are so spiritually draining. God Bless!

Hugs to you! Merry Christmas!

[Vicki]

Thankful for you both, Dineen and Lynn. I never tire of "thankful" posts! To God be the glory!

hugs,
Vicki

[Denise]

I thank God for you.