Read I Thessalonians 5:16-18, Philippians 4:6-7,
Psalm 92:1-2
The death of a child. The abuse of a loved one. The report
of cancer. The betrayal of a friend, the closest friend. A rebellious child. The
searing pains of life that leave us marred and overflowing with depression.
The phone call relaying the message that a loved one is not returning from war.
What emotions well up? Anger. Resentment. Fury. Self-pity. Despair.
Hopelessness. Thankfulness?
Many divine commands seem perfectly
reasonable—for example, no adultery, no idols, and no murder. However, the Lord
also gave some instructions that ostensibly make little sense. One of those
commands is the seemingly impossible task of giving thanks in everything. The
Scriptures clearly teach that giving thanks is meant to be a way of life, not
just a seasonal event. The problem is that we often do not feel appreciative,
particularly when facing painful circumstances or tests of our faith. In fact,
expressing gratitude for bad news seems irrational. Our limited claim to
rationality, however, cannot compete with God's greater knowledge of what is
best for His children. Just like the natural parent realizes that the struggle a
child has to learn their “ABC’s” will one day allow that child to read, God
knows that sometimes the struggle and disappointments of life prepare us for
future blessing. As a result, we live a successful Christian life only by
choosing to thank Him for everything He sends or allows across our path.
What the Lord knows is that gratitude powerfully impacts the believer.
Tribulation can leave us feeling isolated, but thanking God for His ongoing care
or provision reminds us of His constant presence. Equipped with the knowledge
that He is in control, we can submit our will to His. Though our circumstances
remain the same, our attitude is divinely changed through trust. In God's
perfect time, the divine plan is revealed, and we can tell Him with sincere
hearts, "Lord, thank You!"
“Gratitude changes the pangs of memory
into a tranquil joy.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
