20. Cultivating Gratitude in Difficult Times | John Ortberg
Oct 4, 2024
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John Ortberg, a prominent leader in spiritual growth, delves into the transformative power of gratitude amid adversity. He explores the deep connection between gratitude and suffering, revealing how hardships can cultivate genuine appreciation for life. Reflecting on past challenges leads to personal growth and hope, showcasing how positive outcomes can emerge from pain. With insightful stories and scriptural wisdom, Ortberg emphasizes the need to embrace gratitude, even in life's toughest moments, and encourages a heartfelt prayer for ongoing development.
Gratitude serves as a powerful tool during challenging times, enabling individuals to find meaning and resilience amidst suffering.
Reflecting on past hardships not only promotes growth but also deepens the appreciation for life's complexities, intertwining pain and joy.
Deep dives
The Importance of Gratitude in Difficult Times
Gratitude can be particularly powerful during difficult times, as it allows individuals to find meaning amidst suffering. The concept of being grateful in all circumstances, rather than for all circumstances, emphasizes that gratitude is a choice we can make despite our trials. This perspective was illustrated through Elie Wiesel’s insights on human suffering, which suggest that those who have faced adversity may possess a deeper capacity for gratitude. By focusing on the presence of God in times of brokenness, individuals can cultivate a resilient spirit that acknowledges pain while also recognizing beauty.
Recognizing Beauty in Brokenness
Understanding our own brokenness helps reveal the beauty and value in others, a concept discussed through the works of Jean Vanier and Eleanor Stump. The exploration of one’s true self beneath layers of hurt can lead to profound moments of grace. A personal narrative highlighted this journey, where an individual came to appreciate his blindness as a paradoxical gift, allowing him to encounter God and develop gratitude amidst the darkness. This transformative realization enhances the ability to see others as beloved, even when they cause pain.
Learning from Past Experiences
A unique approach to cultivating gratitude involves remembering and reflecting on past hardships, not just the positives. By recognizing the benefits that emerged from challenging events, individuals can gain a more profound appreciation for their growth. This process encourages examining how past trials contributed to personal strengths and the ability to confront future challenges. Ultimately, acknowledging the full spectrum of experiences enriches life’s meaning, intertwining pain and joy in a way that facilitates deeper gratitude for all aspects of existence.
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Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.
📧 Subscribe for daily emails with these videos and accompanying thoughts: https://bit.ly/46AZ0rN 🙏🏻 Need prayer? Text us at 855-888-0444, we would love to pray for you! 🙌🏻 Interested in content for leaders? Subscribe to Become New for Leaders: https://bit.ly/3PH4FWn
Be sure to join our Facebook Group (link below) to continue the conversation and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel BecomeNew.Me and say hello 👋 in the comments. And make sure you tap the bell icon 🔔 to be notified when the next episode releases.
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