“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” (Romans 1:21)
We always have so much to be thankful for. The enemy of our soul would place our focus on what we don’t have. He would have us see what another has. He is the author of sorrow, discontent, and despair.
So much of our mental health depends on the way we see things. Yes, we can see the same glass half-empty or half-full. Our situation can change, but what we really need is a changed perspective. “The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.” (Prov. 27:7)
Some people can never be happy. They are perpetually discontented. A change of circumstance is not going to cure their want of joy and peace. Their malady is spiritual – they need a filling greater than anything this world can supply. They don’t need a new day to dawn, they need the Dayspring to arise in their hearts.
The failure to see all we have to be thankful for will close the curtains on the light that God would stream into our soul. Without thankfulness our foolish heart is darkened.
Are you feeling the blackness of depression creeping in? Stop looking at what’s wrong with your world, or missing from your life. Look instead at what is right and what you do have. Even if it’s less than you like, give thanks for it. Battle bitterness with gratitude. Though the world outside is still dark, the Son will start to rise in your heart.