From “If Only” to “Thank You”

Have you ever caught yourself saying, "If only I had done this" or "If only I had said that"? I know I have. It's easy to get caught up in the "if only" game, especially when facing a difficult situation or looking back on a mistake we've made.

But here's the thing about "if only”—it's a trap. It keeps us stuck in the past, dwelling on what could have been instead of focusing on what is. And it can rob us of the joy and peace God wants us to have in the present.

That's why I'm trying to replace "if only" with two different words:  “Thank you.” Instead of dwelling on what could have been, I'm choosing to be thankful for what is. And I'm finding that it makes all the difference.

When we focus on gratitude, we open ourselves to God’s blessings. We see the good in our lives instead of just the bad, and we're able to find joy and peace, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."  That means we can be thankful no matter what we face. And when we do, we align ourselves with God's will for our lives.

Now, I'm not saying that it's easy to be thankful all the time. It's not. But it's worth it. When we focus on gratitude, we're choosing to trust God, even when we don't understand what He's doing. And that's a powerful thing.

So the next time you find yourself saying "if only,” try replacing it with “thank you.” Thank God for the good things in your life, even if they're small. Thank Him for the complicated stuff, too, knowing He's using them to shape and mold you into who He created you to be.

And watch as your perspective begins to shift. You may find that the things you were once worried about don't seem so big anymore. And you may find that you're able to find joy and peace, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

"Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:20)

So let's choose gratitude, my friends. Let's focus on the good things in our lives and thank God for them. And let's trust Him to work all things together for our good and His glory.