Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.Oh how powerful are these words. In the book "The Hiding Place" there is a certain part where Corrie Ten Boom and her sister are in a Nazi concentration camp and, though they don't understand why or how even to truly be thankful, they declare their thankfulness to God for everything. They even seek an attitude of thankfulness for the fleas that are infesting their building. Later, they find that because of the fleas the Germans avoided the building so they were able to have a lot of freedom and have bible study sessions that brought hope to themselves and countless others in the camp.
Many of us may never experience such severe circumstances, but we all have tragedy and pain in our lives through which God desires that we remain thankful. Not just to be faithful to Him, not just to "make it" through, but to be thankful! You may be going through one of those times when you don't know how to wake up in the morning and get out of bed, much less actually be thankful or happy. You may be in a place of joy and blessing. Wherever you are, praise Him. Praise Him for dying for you. Praise Him for loving you. Praise Him for the sunshine, the rain, the tears, the laughter. It will all come to completion if You trust Him.
