As I was pulling out of the garage one morning, I damaged the side view mirror on my car. I was dreading telling my husband, Joe, about it, and on the one hand I was berating myself, and on the other hand I was feeling sorry for myself. When I began grumbling about it under my breath, I heard my spirit say, "You have nothing to complain about." It wasn't the first time I had heard myself say this. In fact, I had been saying it a lot in recent days, and I knew why. The Spirit of God was trying to teach me about being thankful.

If I'm to be totally honest, thankfulness doesn't always come naturally to me. I'm pretty good at finding things to complain about in almost every situation, although with God's help, I've greatly improved in this area. But the Holy Spirit had to remind me again that when I complain or feel sorry for myself, my focus is wrong. Because when I've got the right perspective, I can't help but find something to give thanks for. And you know what? The more I focus on my blessings, the more blessings I receive. The fact is that the Lord can't resist a thankful heart. He searches them out, and He can't wait to give them their heart's desires.

The Bible says: "Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP) When we are thankful in every circumstance, no matter how negative our situation might be, we are in "the will of God," and being in God's will is where we will find peace, joy, safety, and blessing.

If you're feeling less than blessed today, check your focus. I'll wager that no matter what's going on in your life, you have more things to give thanks for than things to complain about.

Prayer: Lord, I know that You are an exceedingly compassionate God, and that You feel every little hurt I feel. I also know that Your Word says You want me to be thankful in every situation and circumstance. Today, I ask that You work in my heart and mind so that instead of being quick to complain, I will be quick to find something to give thanks for from now on. Please remind me often that no matter what is going on in my life, I have nothing to complain about!

- J. M. Farro