Your Spirit-Filled Secret to Overcoming Self-Pity

It’s no good to share secrets. But sometimes, it’s fun to create them, like when my 5-year-old granddaughter and I had a secret.

Give Me a G

In the midst of playing or eating a meal, and without any prompting, I’d turn to her and say, “Honey, give me a G.”

She knew that secret code. She stopped what she was doing, and thought, trying to find something for which she was grateful (the “G” stands for grateful).

Her young mind swirled around to find something good. Something pleasant. Something fun or even mundane but worth appreciating.

Who knows, but it may be that learning at 5 years of age the secret of gratitude to erase gloom will keep her out of the poor me club.

How About You?

Maybe today is a not-so-good day for you. And that’s why God is trying to get your attention and asking you to give Him a G. That’s the real secret—in the midst of the garbage of life, look, really look, for the gem of gratitude.

When I first lost my sight, I found hope when I dug up that gem in the pile of discouragement. That has been my secret from then on. Always looking for that something for which to say Thank you, God. Always searching for that worthwhile thing that sparks gratitude. Always digging deep for that something to appreciate and value.

And when everything falls apart. When life couldn’t get any darker. When issues become too huge to solve, gratitude shines when our soul repeats: “From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Ps. 121:1b-2).

Let’s Pray

Father, when I was lost in the sadness that clouded my days, finding something to be grateful for was elusive and futile. But knowing my help comes from You, my hope is in You and my healing and answers are in Your hands, gratitude will always fill my heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Can you list 10 things you’re grateful for? {eoa}

Janet Perez Eckles is an international speaker and the author of four books. She has helped thousands conquer fear and bring back joy.

This article originally appeared at janetperezeckles.com.