Gratitude as Spiritual Warfare in Family Estrangement

I just read somewhere that “gratitude is a form of spiritual warfare.”

And since estrangement, with all of its reasons and forms, is a tool of the enemy, that places it in the category of spiritual warfare. In that light, as we pray for our situations, let us bring gratitude to God. Hebrews 13:15 – “…let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to His name.”

I think that gratitude is a decision to trust God, to turn our attention away from our fear and pain, to choose to believe God’s promise, impossible as it may seem – Romans 8:28 – “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” It’s not trite or a surface promise. It’s true.

This estrangement phenomenon is so complex that it can overwhelm your heart (pain) and mind (confusion) and emotions (frustration).

Can we peel all of those away and come to the center – offer it to God with open hands, literally. Humble yourself before Him.

But do not give discouragement permission to run your life. “A discouraged soldier is a defeated soldier.” Remember – this is spiritual warfare. Fight discouragement with prayer.

Start with a simple battle plan – gratitude first. Quiet your heart and mind and emotions by thanking God (not mindless: “I’m thankful for… but directed: “Thank you, Lord for…) For the person you raised. For the other things in your life that are good. For a future that you are giving to God.

See, it could be that your child has replaced gratitude with judgement and criticism. At the base and the heart of those is pride. The original sin. It’s insidious. It creeps into our souls stealthily and is without mercy if we indulge it. Watch that you aren’t also one who judges and criticizes.

Pray against pride! Pray against it in yourself – “Please, God, show me where pride has infected me.” Pray with David in Psalm 139:23&24 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

Pray these Scriptures for your children too. Love them enough to ask God to humble them as He humbles you, to do in their lives and yours whatever it takes to bring you both close to His heart.

Notice that I did not say, “bring them back to you.” We long for that, and maybe we can learn to help in that process, but it’s infinitely more important that their relationship with Him is either begun or restored or strengthened, and to be drawn closer to His heart.

Pray first for your own heart, in humility and gratitude. Then you can pray more effectively for others.