In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
It may seem from this passage in Thessalonians that we are being asked to give thanks for everything that happens to us–the good, the bad and the ugly. Of course, it is easy to give thanks for all the good, but the bad and the ugly, not so much.
When we find ourselves in difficult situations, it may be hard to think of anything that would cause us to utter a “thank you.” I have been in those situations before, but looking back I have realized that it could have been worse. Instead of giving thanks for everything, I believe we are encouraged to give thanks in everything.
I recently heard a story from someone who has been going through a terrible time and is losing their home to bankruptcy. The breadwinner of the family felt like a failure because of their inability to continue making the mortgage payments. They were harassed by the bank and tried every conceivable option available to them. Nothing worked.
Yet when it was all over, the family confessed that they were thankful for the trial: In the midst of the hardship, they found out that by giving up the house they were, in a sense, saving their lives. There was asbestos poisoning in the house. What they were trying to cling to was not good for them. They may not have been thankful about losing their home, but they were thankful that their lives were spared.
There are many different ways to view tragic situations. This family chose to give God thanks for what they were saved from and for what they learned: how to let go and allow God to work in their lives. They learned that in everything, God is the one constant.
Knowing that God does not change and is with us in every situation prompts us to give thanks. We don’t always feel his presence, but take courage in the fact that he does not flee when times are tough. We have set aside a Thanksgiving Day of Prayer to remember how God has been with us through the bad times as well as the good: Monday, November 25. We at OurPrayer want you to also know that we are here to support you and lift your prayer of thanks to the Lord. Sometimes it is helpful to know we are on this journey together. Happy Thanksgiving.
God bless you!
