How To Be Grateful When You Wish Life Was Different

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:17

I’ll never forget a statement one of my friends made during a conversation a few years back. We were talking about the things about our lives we wish were different, things we could change if we had the chance. At one point in the conversation, my friend looked at me and asked, “Kristen, why is it so easy for me to point out what I don’t like about my life, but then it’s difficult for me to list the things I do like about my life?”

I loved how honest her question was, because I think it’s a question we all need to take the time to answer. I mean, think about it. When was the last time you were like, “Wow, I love this, this, and this about my life! This is amazing!”? But I bet if I asked you about the last time you complained about something in your life, you could list off a few recent conversations you’ve had with yourself about that.

That’s where our sin nature comes in. We’re always wanting more, never satisfied with what’s right in front of us because we’re too busy looking to the next season, the next relationship, or the next opportunity. Even though God is showering us with blessings and gifts all along our path, we can’t stop long enough to enjoy any of them because we’re looking for the one gift or the one blessing He has yet to give us.

Thankfully, though, we don’t have to remain in this constant state of dissatisfaction and discontentment. We have the Word of God to guide us towards gratitude, even if there are things about our lives we wish were different.

Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Just Google “Bible verses about gratitude” and you’ll have a seemingly endless list of Scripture passages reminding you to thank the Lord for what He has given you, rather than getting frustrated with Him for what He hasn’t given you.

It’s amazing the effect gratitude has on your heart, your mind, and your perspective if you begin to practice it regularly. So to help you do that, I want to give you a challenge.

For the rest of this month, I want you to keep a gratitude journal. You can keep an actual physical journal, or you can use an app on your phone. Regardless of the medium, I want you to write down three things you’re grateful for every day. And here’s the kicker: try to write down three different things every day and see how long you can go without repeating yourself. It’s a simple practice, but it makes a big difference.

Trust me, the more you start looking for things to be grateful for about your life, the less you’ll focus on what you wish was different.