I Thessalonians 5:18
“In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
The last time, giving thanks for the blessings in our lives was addressed. The passage says, “In everything”. That includes the trial times that distress us. James said chapter 1 :2,3, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”
A percentage of our lives will be trial times. They are difficult. They bring sadness and worry. We do our best to resolve them, all while we are attempting to stay positive. That’s the correct response. However, we are to be joyful and give thanks within these. It seems like a contradiction.
We need to look at trials through the eyes of faith. While the situation may vile, we trust the Lord to work it for our good (Romans 8:28). He will make us stronger as well as more christlike.
To be more like Him is much to be thankful for. People pay large sums of money and travel far distances to see the best doctors or consultants. There’s none better than the Lord. He wants to be involved in our lives. He wants to orchestrate our circumstances. We should give thanks for the expertise that He brings. It’s an honor to have Him working in us.
Lord, thanks that You are working in us. Help us to give thanks and consider it all joy.