By Benescke Janse van Rensburg

Ever heard of Koku Istambulova? In a recent news article, this Russian woman is named the world's oldest woman at the age of 128. One might think that Koku would be grateful for her long life. The contrary, however, is true. In an interview, she mentioned that she was not really happy for even one day in her life. She wished she'd rather die at a young age. Wow! To me it's almost impossible to think that there was not even one day's happiness in 128 years!

Perhaps these words demonstrates Koku’s attitude towards life. And yet, sometimes we are just like her. We are more likely to focus on the negative things around us, than look for the positive. The Psalmist reminds us that gratitude and happiness is a choice - something we ought to take every morning. Listen to the words in Psalm 118: 24: “This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”Also in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 we are reminded of the importance of gratitude: “ . . . give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Do you feel like Koku this morning due to challenges in your life? Remember, in every situation (despite how difficult it may be) you will find something to be grateful for. Search for it. Let's replace our "Koku glasses" with "God Glasses" by asking Him to help us look at life in a different way. Let’s also ask Him to make us aware through His Holy Spirit of every good gift we receive from His hand. Soon we might be amazed at how beautiful life is - and how much happiness we indeed carry inside our hearts. God bless. 

Father God, thank you that your goodness and mercy are new every morning. Help me to see and focus on the positive and not the negative around me. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

• See a picture of Koku at www.benescke.co.za or on Facebook's Stories of Hope page.

• Feedback: Please give feedback or share your testimony of God's breakthroughs in your life at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I am looking forward to hearing from you. Benescke