Grateful... Nonetheless.

By Michael Chidubem

As part of the preparation for a recent medical procedure, I had to meet with the surgeon and his team at the hospital on several occasions.  Many times, I saw so many people with health challenges. Some could hardly walk, speak, or exhibit any mobility independence. Just like me, these are people who have dreams and aspirations, but poor health has slowed them down. I wondered if my occasional complaints of delayed blessings were justified because each visit to the hospital reminded me of one thing. Every new day is a gift from God.

Often, we measure gratitude by answered prayers, promotions, healing, or major breakthroughs, but the Bible reminds us in Lamentations 3:22–23 that “because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning.” Waking up with breath in our lungs is itself evidence of God’s mercy. Without life, our dreams, ambitions, and plans cannot take shape.

It is easy to grow weary when prayers seem unanswered - whether it’s prayers for a job, healing, financial freedom, or a breakthrough contract. Yet, God’s Word assures us that His timing is perfect: “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Gratitude, then, is not limited to visible blessings but extends to every heartbeat, every sunrise, and every chance to draw closer to Him.

We must remember that God’s faithfulness is not measured by what He gives us today, but by His eternal promise never to leave nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). Even if some prayers remain unanswered in our lifetime, His goodness endures forever (Psalm 100:5). True gratitude sees both the little and the big things as part of God’s divine plan, trusting Him to complete His work in us.

So, let us live with thankful hearts because gratitude opens our eyes to the blessings we already carry, while faith prepares us for the ones yet to come.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the breath of life and the gift of each new day. Teach us to see the bigger picture and to be grateful in every circumstance, knowing that Your ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9). Strengthen our hearts to trust Your perfect timing and to rest in the assurance that You remain faithful forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.