“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” – (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
It is easy to be thankful when everything is going on well in your life. How about when things are not going on well in our lives? We tend to focus on those who seem to have it all, while worrying and complaining about our situation. We talk about what we don’t have, what could have been or what should be. You see, if the grass is greener on the other side, the water bill might be high too. You only need to look around very well to see how fortunate you are compared to others.
We must learn to be thankful for what we have in life even though that might not be all we desire. Someone has said that accepting your lot in life is not about resigning yourself to unhappiness; it’s about not wasting time wishing for what you do not have. American deaf-blind author, political activist and lecturer, Helen Keller, echoes similar sentiments when she said: “So much has been given to me; I have not time to ponder over that which has been denied.”
Each time you find yourself complaining about something, re-direct your focus to something you are grateful for. Make a habit of transforming your awareness of troubles into an awareness of abundance. Apostle Paul advises: “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
I concede that certain life circumstances and events can be so bad and soul crushing that sometimes one wonders if there is really a God of love. I guess what Apostle Paul is saying is that be thankful, not for the event itself but for the grace to go through it. Friend, God will not allow you to go through something for which he knows you have no capacity to handle.
1 Corinthians 10:13 says: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” Again he says: “…God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
It is even more reassuring and refreshing that God’s intention even in an unpleasant situation is to turn it to our advantage. Listen to Apostle Paul: “…we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Friend, there is something you have when you think you have nothing. If you look hard enough you will find it and be grateful. Gratitude opens us up to new opportunities and possibilities. Go on...and be thankful!
