Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT
You and I both know that not all circumstances are pleasant ones that we would choose if given a choice, yet God’s word encourages us, time and again, to be thankful in all circumstances. How can we reconcile this directive with the pain some circumstances bring into our lives?
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-3 NLT
The truth is, when we struggle through difficult circumstances, our faith and our endurance has a chance to grow. In fact, it’s safe to say, we seek God more in the difficult moments than any other time; perhaps, that may be the biggest blessing that accompanies trials. God offers us a chance to know Him, to enjoy a close relationship with Him, yet we, so often, allow life to distract us and divert our attention from God to things that really don’t matter. That’s not the case when the pain of life drops us to our knees. James tells us that when our endurance is fully developed, we will be perfect and complete lacking nothing. In other words, we will be completely satisfied, content and enjoying life as God intended. He is the only one who can give us complete joy, but instead we waste time pursuing things that never bring us lasting joy. When trouble comes our way, we need to realize that we have an opportunity to draw close to God and to work through the difficulty with Him. As we do that, God will not only bring us through the trial, but will also fill us with great joy! Isn’t that the goal?
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 NASB
God promises wonderful reward for those who find the strength press forward in their faith and work through the difficult times in life with God by their side! If that’s not enough reason to be thankful in all circumstances, Paul gives us additional hope in his letter to the Christians in Rome.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT
God causes all circumstances, including the struggles, the disappointments, and the painful moments in life, to work together for your good! Will you take a moment to thank Him for everything happening in your life today? Will you ask Him to help you appreciate all of it, even the struggles? Will you draw close to Him and allow Him to renew your hope and restore your joy in spite of the pain?