STRUGGLING WITH THANKFULNESS

Scottish minister Alexander Whyte was known for his uplifting prayers in the pulpit. That’s because he always found something for which to be grateful. One Sunday morning the weather was so gloomy that one church member thought to himself, “Certainly the preacher won’t think of anything for which to thank the Lord on a wretched day like this.”

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18

Much to his surprise, however, Whyte began by praying, “We thank Thee, O God, that it is not always like this!”

Tough circumstances often make giving thanks a real challenge. And today, on a day when thankfulness is in so much focus, people around our nation and our world are experiencing unspeakable pain. So how, then, can we fulfill the mandate laid out in today’s Scripture?

While our situation might make it difficult to give thanks to God, one thing we must always remember is that God is good. And because of that, we have confidence in tough times that it won’t always be like this. A better day is coming.

When that becomes your hope, thankfulness is a natural response. So give thanks today not because of your circumstances, but because you have a God who loves you and gives you hope for better days ahead!

** Prayer Challenge
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Ask God to give you encouragement and hope on days when it’s hard to be thankful.

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