It's easy to be thankful when things in life are going well
and life is happy and easy and good.
It's a little (ok, maybe a lot) harder when things aren't going very well-
when you are faced with a crisis, financial problems, relationship issues,
and everything seems like to a big old giant mess.
John 16:33 reminds us that we WILL have trouble in this world:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
I've found that when going through those difficult times in my life,
if I focus on being thankful for
the little blessings that happen even (and especially)
during tough times, my perspective completely changes.
As I notice and recognize the Lord’s provision during trials,
I can genuinely and truthfully express gratitude.
I often don’t know what the purpose is for each problem or trial I face,
but I do know without a shadow of a doubt that
God is good and trustworthy and faithful.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 is one of my favorite verses because
it is such a beautiful reminder to thank God, no matter what!
You can print out your own copy of this verse in the folder HERE.