How to Practice Gratitude in the Midst of Waiting by Wycliffe Bible Translatorsનમૂનો

Focus on Your Promised Future

Even when you feel confused about present circumstances and weary of the waiting, you can choose to feel grateful for what God has promised for the future. Hebrews 12:28 (NLT) reminds us that “since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.”

You might not enjoy the place God has you in right now, but what feels like a holding pen is not wasted by God. His Word promises that “... [He] causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28, NLT).

Your ultimate destination is a Kingdom that is unshakable, filled with eternal promises and blessings. It’s hard to live in a “not yet” season on earth, but during delays, you can find peace in the certainty of God’s Kingdom. And by being thankful, you express steadfast faith in His perfect plans and schedule.

Let the following truths about your promised future — some that apply here on earth and others that describe the eternal future in heaven — help you practice gratitude while you wait:

You will have rest and peace.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

— Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)

You will have new strength and energy.

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.

They will soar high on wings like eagles.

They will run and not grow weary.

They will walk and not faint.

— Isaiah 46:10 (NLT)

You will know which path to take.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

— Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

You will have blessings beyond your best imagination.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

— 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)

You will have new life and a new body.

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.

— Philippians 3:20-21 (NLT)

You will be home with God and have no more sorrow.

“God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

— Revelation 21:3c-4 (NLT)

Those are just a handful of God’s many promises to hold onto while you wait on and trust in Him. Let your faith make you sure and certain of them (Hebrews 11:1).

Reflection:

• Which promises in the Bible comfort you the most? Which ones motivate you the most?
• How have you witnessed God fulfilling His promises here on earth? How has that strengthened your faith that all of His promises will be fulfilled in heaven?