– The Depth of Thankfulness
Gratitude after a storm doesn’t sound like gratitude before one. When you’ve cried through nights you didn’t think you’d survive, “thank You, Lord” isn’t just a phrase anymore—it’s breath, it’s proof you’re still here.
We often think of thankfulness as polite manners: appreciating what we have, saying grace at meals, posting “I’m blessed” captions. But after a hard season, gratitude isn’t about manners—it’s about survival. It’s the language of someone who’s experienced loss, carried burdens, and now understands that joy is fragile and precious.
Scripture says, “Give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, CSB). That “everything” doesn’t mean just when life feels good. It extends into the times when your heart is raw, when the nights were long, when you thought you weren’t going to make it. Gratitude then is different—it’s layered with memory, with scars, with a new awareness that life and breath are not guaranteed.
Thankfulness in those moments doesn’t dismiss the pain. It embraces it and says, “I see what I went through, and I still see God’s hand.” That depth is what shifts us from shallow acknowledgment to deep worship.
The truth is, we don’t come out of storms the same. We may walk slower, but we walk wiser. Gratitude after a hard season carries weight. It’s not performative. It’s not empty words. It’s an anchor. It reminds us that God carried us when we couldn’t carry ourselves.
Don’t look down on the way your gratitude feels heavier now. That’s not weakness—that’s depth. That’s your testimony shaping your thanks. Let that kind of thankfulness remind you: you’re still standing, and God is still faithful.
District Elder & Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr. is a seasoned IT Professional and spiritual leader who bridges technology and faith to drive innovation in schools, churches, and communities. With certifications in ITIL, Google Workspace, AI, and church administration, he empowers organizations to thrive through strategic tech integration and leadership.
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Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr.
District Elder & Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr. is a seasoned IT Professional and spiritual leader who bridges technology and faith to drive innovation in schools, churches, and communities. With certifications in ITIL, Google Workspace, AI, and church administration, he empowers organizations to thrive through strategic tech integration and leadership.
