When Gratitude Changes the Way You See the Wilderness

Tierra Guest
May 6
4 min read

As this week continues and life still meets me with challenges that are reshaping my character and my perspective on life, I find myself in tears — still thanking God. Life can feel heavy, yet somehow, He continues to give me the grace and strength to make it through every moment and every experience.

Lately, I’ve realized that I need to become more grateful.

I started thinking: What if I simply thanked Jesus more? What if gratitude caused the problems around me to lose power over my thoughts and silenced the constant worry trying to overtake me?

I’ll be honest. There are moments when I clock out of work, exhausted, reflecting on how hard I worked that day, wondering if it was all even worth it. Then one day, a coworker from my other job said, “You actually make a lot.”

In that moment, I apologized to the Lord.

Not because I was tired. Not because my body hurt. But because I had stopped looking through the eyes of thankfulness. I was so focused on my pain, my exhaustion, and how far I still felt from where I wanted to be that I forgot to notice how faithful God has already been.

It reminded me of the children of Israel in the wilderness. God was leading them the entire time, yet they struggled to see His hand because they were consumed by discomfort and frustration. Even in the wilderness, He provided for them daily.

And honestly, I thought about us.

Even something as simple as the uniform we put on for work each day is evidence that God is still providing. The paycheck may not yet match the vision, but provision is still provision.

What if I’m actually in the right place? What if God is using this season to refine me, prepare me, and strengthen me — but I’m so focused on the pain that I’m missing the lessons and blessings hidden within it?

What if this very moment is making me?

What about you?

Have you been so focused on what hasn’t happened yet, what bill hasn’t been paid, or what situation hasn’t changed, that you forgot to notice the grace God has already given you?

During this 6-month prayer challenge, I’ve been intentionally focusing more on gratitude and becoming thankful for the simple things. The truth is, gratitude shifts your perspective. It reminds you that even in difficult seasons, God is still present.

So today, let’s pause, pray, and journal together, beautiful souls.

Prayer

Jesus, Thank You for sustaining me even in the seasons that feel difficult. Thank You for giving me strength when I feel weak, peace when my mind is overwhelmed, and grace for every day I continue forward.

Forgive me for the moments I focused more on my frustrations than Your faithfulness. Open my eyes to see Your hand in every season — even in the wilderness moments of life.

Teach me to become more grateful, more trusting, and more aware of the blessings surrounding me daily. Help me not to measure my life only by what I lack, but by the many ways You continue to provide, protect, and guide me.

Refine my heart during this season. Let every challenge shape me into the person You are calling me to become.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let's journal

What are 10 simple things I can thank God for today?
Have I been focusing more on my problems or God’s provision lately?
What lesson could God be teaching me in this current season?
In what ways has God already been faithful to me this year?
What would change in my mindset if I practiced gratitude daily?
What “wilderness season” in my life may actually be preparing me for something greater?

Scripture for Reflection:

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

P.S. Beautiful soul, your current season is not the end of your story. Even here, God is still shaping you, strengthening you, and teaching you how to trust Him deeper. Don’t let temporary frustration make you overlook eternal growth. Keep going. Heaven still has purpose attached to your life.

Join the 6-Month Prayer Challenge ✨

We are officially walking through our 6-Month Prayer Challenge together — a journey of prayer, gratitude, discipline, healing, faith, and becoming everything God has called us to be.

If you’ve been desiring deeper intimacy with God, clarity, consistency, peace, and spiritual growth, this challenge is for you.

Inside the challenge we are: