Thanks in All Circumstances

I don’t know about you, but some things in my life I have trouble in being thankful for. In fact I think I grew up learning to moan rather than be thankful. I’ve come to realise that I may not like the unwelcome situations in my life, but still God is calling me to give thanks. I thought, “How can I do this? Does God know what my life has been like? Surely this is not possible in some situations!”

One day a friend started singing the words of a song we often sing in church, ‘God is good all the time’. How many times have I sung this song in Church, or with Don Moen on YouTube, with great enthusiasm? However, when some unwelcome event comes into my life I go into a state of anxiety and despair. I’m not thankful at all. How can I do that if I really believe God is good all the time?

I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s my interpretation of what I think is good. Disappointments, pain, discouragements, and grief all bring discomfort, which aren’t good feelings. They give me uncomfortable feelings I would rather not have. When I come face to face with my lack and inabilities I wonder how I’m going to get by without totally disgracing myself. Or worse than that, I wonder whether I’ll end up not modelling a loving Jesus at all.

In all these things I’m finding that everything goes better when I’m able to bring it all with open hands to Father God, who knows and understands it all. My feelings are often a signal, encouraging me to express what’s going on in my heart so He can give me His perspective on my situation. I’m learning to trust that when I ask Jesus to come into the area that needs His touch, He’ll indeed come with His peace and insight.

My loving Heavenly Father, with His love and grace, seems to amazingly use all these unwelcome situations. He develops in me more awareness of His character and refines my character, so I become more and more secure in my relationship with Him.

It would appear being thankful in all circumstances is not necessarily being thankful for the things that come our way, but rather being thankful to a loving God who can help us with whatever comes our way while here on earth.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, that You don’t ask us to do anything that isn’t possible with Your help. As we express what’s going on in our hearts and reach out to You, You meet us there. Help us now to express our feelings and our lack to You, so we can receive the good You have for us at this time. Give us more insight of who You want to be for us in our trials, so we can give You the thanks You deserve. Amen.