6-Do you ever grump and complain about your circumstances? Do you ever feel like God is not hearing your prayers for provision? Do you ever compare yourself to a neighbor who seems to have a lot more than you do? I hear you, friend. It was not that long ago that I stormed out of my house in Minnesota, and stomped through the chilly winter morning, trudging over rural roads toward a cemetery. It was still dark, and gray storm clouds covered the sky. Clenching my fist, I complained about my circumstances. We didn't have enough to provide for our family, I felt stuck in my home, and lacked purpose. I felt cold and hard like the graveyard stones, marking the time of people who had passed away. When you’re depressed, it is easy to focus on everything that is going wrong and forget to thank God who created you. Practicing gratitude can free us from that pit of rehash and freshen our perspective. In today’s episode, I will explore how God helps us unclench our fists to release stress, and focus on Him, who lightens our load. Welcome to the third part of the Count Your Blessings Gratitude Series, using the acronym G.I.F.T. Episode 6 is “Feeling Grumpy? How Gratitude Frees Us and Freshens our Perspective.” Come on in and take a listen! Check out the other episodes in this G.I.F.T. of Gratitude in the Count Your Blessings series. 4-G. Gratitude Grows Goodness in our hearts Apple iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-4-count-your-blessings-series-part-1-how-gratitude/id1783189689?i=1000679252039 5-I. How Gratitude Inspires our Minds to Reset Depression Apple I tunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-5-feeling-blah-from-holiday-brain-fog-how-gratitude/id1783189689?i=1000679747270 If you are enjoying this podcast, please send it to a friend, so they can journey toward mental health and discover hope in the process. Also please consider posting a review on iTunes! The reviews get the word out about the podcast, so many can discover strategies to boost mental wellness. Thank you! Contact by Email: beth@mentallywellwithbethsteigerwalt.com Books referenced in this four-part series: Dr. Robert A Emmons, The Little Book of Gratitude: Create a Life of Happiness and Wellbeing by Giving Thanks Dr. Robert A Emmons, Thanks, How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier Scripture used in this podcast Let Go Acts 3:19 Turn Grumpy into Gratitude Phil 2:14, 1 Thessalonians 5;18 3. Allow God to soften your heart of stone Ezekiel 35: 25, 27 4. Ask God to help you be content and full of gratefulness Phil 4:12 Promises of God He will be our God. Ezekiel 36: 28 God turns struggle into hope. Ezekiel 36:29-30 God restores our devastation so we can know Him. Ezekiel 36:33-35, Acts 3:20,21 His face will shine on you. Numbers 6:24-26 Journaling Prompts: When have you grumbled about circumstances that seemed overwhelming?How can you reframe your suffering response and change it to Gratitude? Examples: God I am really struggling right now, and I don’t understand why _______________is happening. What is your perspective? God, I am hurting, what Character do you want me to focus on during this difficult time? Do you ever compare yourself to others? Why do you think you are not content? What are three things you can express gratitude for, through challenging circumstances Count Your Blessings Hymn Lyrics, Public Domain. Lyrics by Johnson Oatman Jr. (1856-1926); Music by Edwin Othello Excell (1851-1921) Accessed through https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/707, who freely shares hymn information. Intro, outro, and trailer music “Bright as the Dawn” is licensed by Taizo Audio through Premium Beat by Shutterstock. #6193805 Disclaimer: I am not a licensed professional therapist, and unable to diagnose, treat or analyze depression or other associated mental illnesses. Based on Biblical principles, my personal experience of healing, and creative expression, I offer these Christ-centered mental wellness strategies to support, encourage and instill hope through your journey to mental and spiritual health. Please see your doctor, psychologist, or professional therapist for help with diagnosing and treating mental illness. If you are severely depressed, to the point where you are considering suicide, please get help immediately! Your life matters, and you are loved and valued. It is possible to find hope and healing. Here are some resources to help you. Christians in Crisis https://www.christiansncrisis.com phone or text 1-844-472-9687 Started by Marriage/ Family Therapist Dr. Cheryll Holmes, this faith-based hotline offers a listening ear and counsel for severe depression and other mental illness issues. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 988 for emotional support through depression/Suicide....
