Giving Thanks

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1

I want to point out something today that may be a relief to you. You know we are to be thankful in all circumstances, right? But when life is difficult and your heart is breaking, you aren’t expected to run around wildly thanking God for the painful circumstances. God doesn’t call you to be some kind of spiritual masochist. Nor does He call you to deny what you’re feeling. What God does call you to do is to thank Him in everything—not for everything—in the midst of whatever is going on in your life.

In other words, we’re to remain thankful to God for all He has done in the past and is doing for us now. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). God wants us to give thanks because He is good, even when our situation isn’t.

When times are difficult, you can be thankful that God has an overarching plan for your life that will not be diverted. He is a sovereign and gracious God. Remembering His faithfulness to you in the past helps you not be so thrown off course by life’s mishaps. Thankfulness is a gift He gives you that changes your heart, gives you strength, and keeps you moving forward.

Lord, giving thanks reminds me of Your great love. I give thanks to You, for You are good.