Good Day To You,

So you have a fender bender, or you get a concerning report from the doctor. Or let’ssay one of your children is acting out in a way that is concerning and troublesome. Or you are dealing with grief, loss of some kind or another of a family member, a spouse, or the loss experienced with an empty nest. In these circumstances, that we all face at some point, how can we give thanks?

Rejoice at all time. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance. 1 Thess. 5:16-18

In every circumstance?

The principle here is not that you have to give thanks for the trouble or pain of that specific circumstance. That’s not healthy. We can and should lament these pains. The principle here is that when we are in these circumstances of trial and conflict, that we make an intentional effort to seek, find and declare gratitude. Gratitude does some amazing positive things at these times of challenge. Gratitude is not weakness nor passive. It’s not just being nice and giving in. No Giving thanks in dark times is a powerful tool of life and light. Gratitude is activating a seal team for the soul. It deploys guerrilla tactics on negative emotions, fears and insecurities. If you’re in pain of one kind or another today, turn your focus away from the pain as much as possible and purpose to find a few things that you are grateful for, and declare them with authority. Your mind will be refreshed, your emotions will settle, anxiety will lessen and a clearer perspective will become realized. How can we rejoice at all times? Because God our Father is working and moving even in the night times of our lives. He is still in control and loves us. Be brave today and step into gratitude with purpose, and see his results show up.

Q: Can you recall a person in the Bible that in hard times found gratitude and lived it?