The Upper Room Devotional 21st October 2022

The year 2016 was filled with several life-changing events for my husband and me, the most painful of which was the loss of both our fathers. We were grief-stricken. However, my husband was largely able to carry out his regular responsibilities. He worked as a pastor and served in leadership roles on various levels within our denomination. As he carried on and continued to work, I felt alone, angry, and stuck in my grief.

Even though it is my habit to pray every morning, I found it hard to go to God in prayer during this time. One day, I decided I had to do something to break myself out of this pattern. I sat quietly and simply said, “Thank you, God.” The next day, I thanked God again. With each new day, my time with God grew longer, as did my list of thanks and praise. Each time I expressed gratitude to God, I felt like light was breaking through the darkness that surrounded me. As my spirit of thanksgiving grew, God’s light overcame my despair.

These months of grief, anger, and prayer taught me that God is always there, even in our darkest times. Honoring our Creator with our gratitude reminds us of God’s ever-present light and love.