Being Thankful Even When It's Tough Times

"Give thanks in all circumstances…." 

How?

My daughter is fighting a war in Afghanistan.  I am fighting diabetes.  I have no job.  My son is doing drugs.  My child has died.  My marriage is falling a part.  I’m depressed.  My bank account is overdrawn.  I’m tired of being sick and tired.  

Circumstances affect each of us differently.  It is easier to say, “give thanks in all circumstances” than to actually do it.  Especially, if the person saying it has never gone through troubled times. 
In this case, the one saying it knew exactly what he was talking about.  Paul, an Apostle of Jesus had his moments in the suffering department.

            Flogged 5 times with the Jews 39 lashes.

            Beaten by Roman rods 3 times.

            Betrayed by those who pretended to be a friend.

            Pummeled with rocks.

            Many sleepless nights and missed meals.

Paul said, “And that’s the half of it, when you throw in the daily pressures and anxieties of all the churches.” 1 Corinthians 11:28 (MSG) 

No doubt, circumstances can make life difficult to deal with.  The pain is real. Adversity is hard.  And, trials take us on a journey of suffering.   If allowed, difficult circumstances can wear us down, zap our joy, and defeat us. Our vision is blurred by what isn’t possible, rather than, what is possible.

Thanksgiving comes when we walk with God even with life’s journey is tough to deal with.  God will lead us to the very place that restores our joy and hope.  He allows us to take a breather and regroup so that we will be refreshed and strengthened.  

Our circumstances may take longer than we desire and life may seem like it is crashing down.  Never allow your hand to lose its grip from God’s hand; nor your eyes to wondering off to find a quick solution.  Trust God’s leading.  

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian