When the Grass is Greener

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. – James 1:17

At the end of one of his letters the apostle Paul writes, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Gratitude. No matter what stage of life you’re in, you’re called to thank God for it. The same goes if you’re single or in a relationship. Even when the grass looks greener, we’re commanded to praise the Creator for everything He’s blessed us with. “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need,” says David in Psalm 23:1. All. Did you catch that?

Look at the Old Testament. The Israelites had everything they wanted and more – and yet they still grumbled against God. We laugh at their complaints. Poke fun at them. But – and this is a big but – we are just like them. Does this sound familiar? “They [the Israelites] cried out to the Lord, and they said to Moses, ‘Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us?’…But Moses told the people, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today.” (Exodus 14:10-11,13). Moses had the correct response. Today and every day you have a choice, whether you’re faced with the Red Sea of Singleness or you’re in a contented relationship. Be thankful.

Gratitude is a spiritual muscle that you can build up with time. Grateful now, grateful later. If you practice gratitude as a single person, you’ll know how to thank God when you’re in a relationship – especially when that relationship has its problems and issues. Jesus commanded us to “Trust in God, and trust also in me” (John 14:1). Trust that God has a purpose for the exact circumstances you’re in right now, and trust that even if they’re hard, He can use them for your good. Sounds like a good reason to praise Him instead of grumbling like an Israelite!

Prayer: You are so patient and kind with me. You never rush me, and own when it takes me a while to get it, you’re still there with open arms to welcome me back. I confess I haven’t been as grateful as I could be lately. Please forgive me and show me how to be thankful today. Amen.