Let us be thankful, then, because we receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Let us be grateful and worship God in a way that will please him, with reverence and awe (Hebrews 12:28).
Are you a thankful person? Well, we have much to be thankful for. It is always good to remember to thank God for all the many blessings He bestows on us each day. However, you may be saying what about when things aren’t so great? What about when the car has just gone in for costly repairs — again — or one of our children has an ear infection that won’t go away, or the child support payment is late? I guess it is hard for us to give thanks. It isn’t hard to imagine the things that can, and do, go wrong in life, and no doubt you pray about those things when they happen but…do you give thanks?
It goes against our nature to give thanks for hardships in life, yet it is during these times that God is growing us, something we should be thankful for because he is providing an opportunity for us to become closer to him. This is a hard lesson to learn, and we often have to learn it over and over: God does have our good in mind at all times. Even though bad things happen to us, if we remember this we will be better able to see that God will use these times for our benefit.
This is an important lesson to instill in our children. They often see things in black and white…either things are “good” or “bad.” When the “bad” occurs, it is hard for them to see that something “good” can come out of it. At these times, we need to remind both them and ourselves to be joyful because God is the joy in our lives. Without him, we have no true joy. Remember to pray not only when things are good, but also when things are bad or when you just cannot understand what’s going on. The Bible states, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
We have to learn to lay our fears and concerns before the Lord, as he wants us to do. Give thanks in faith that God is using this hard time for something good. It might be a while before we can see what that is, but we must trust in him that it will be good. Learn how to make the boundless faith an integral part of family life by practicing it on a daily basis, and see just how much good will come out of it!
The words of “My God, I Thank Thee” can be a source of comfort when needed:
My God, I thank Thee, who hast made the earth so bright,
So full of splendor and of joy, beauty and light;
So many glorious things are here, noble and right.
I thank Thee, too, that Thou hast made joy to abound;
So many gentle thoughts and deeds circling us round,
That in the darkest spot of earth some love is found.
I thank Thee more that all our joy is touched with pain,
That shadows fall on brightest hours, that thorns remain;
So that earth’s bliss may be our guide, and not our chain.
For thou who knowest, Lord, how soon our weak heart clings,
Hast given us joys, tender and true, yet all with wings;
So that we see gleaming on high diviner things.
I thank Thee, Lord, that Thou hast kept the best in store;
We have enough, yet not too much to long for more:
A yearning for a deeper peace not known before.
I thank Thee, Lord, that here our souls though amply blessed,
Can never find, although they seek a perfect rest;
Nor ever shall, until they lean on Jesus’ breast.
Adelaide A. Procter, 1958
Remember all things work together for good to them that love God. He says be still and know that I am God. Why not trust Him!
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com.
