When you move toward what God has asked you to do, resistance will meet you on the way.

The resistance may come from without — from people or circumstances. Early in his ministry, Jesus’ own family thought he was out of his mind (Mark 3:21). 

The resistance often comes from within. Sometimes it’s blatant accusation and shaming: ​“Who do you think you are? What will people do when they find out what you’re really like?” Sometimes it’s the sweet talk of the serpent: ​“Did God really say…?” 

This kind of inner resistance was strong for me leading up to recording some music this week. Perhaps you’ve felt it, too, as you’ve started to take concrete steps of obedience. Thankfully, God has provided a powerful weapon against this resistance (and against a multitude of other vices that keep us bound): gratitude. 

“Gratitude,” Nouwen writes, ​“helps us to transcend our compulsions to follow our vocation.”

It may seem like a strange season to be thankful, so it’s helpful to remember we’re not after a Pollyanna pretense, a smile that stuffs down pain and grief. No, what we’re seeking is the genuine thankfulness of the Psalmist who names his pain, ​“My tears have been my food day and night,” and then reminds his soul to remember God. 

Gratitude is simple, but requires intention and effort. It’s amazing how jotting down a few ​“thankfuls” can purify the air of our interior atmosphere. Thankfulness weakens the chains of anger, resentment, worry, and shame, freeing us up to move toward our calling, which in turn gives us more reason to be thankful.