Giving thanks to a place of consent pain is one of the hardest things to do. Nobody feels like saying Thank you for anything when you hurt every moment of every day. No one can cast blame on me if I don't feel like saying thank you God for this life you gave me. But God takes giving thanks seriously. Over and over again in the Bible, we see the words "Give Thanks" Psalms 100:4 is just one of the many places we are commanded to give thanks.
Psalm 100:4(ESV) Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
The apostle Paul knew more than his share of sorrow, his life was full of pain. But yet time and time again Paul counseled the believers in Thessalonica to do just that:
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
I believe not only did Paul understood the spiritual benefit of giving thanks when you're hurting. He had benefited the fruit from giving thanks from a place of Paul. When you give thanks when you are hurting no matter if it is physical or emotional pain, it takes your focus off yourself and puts it on, God.
But how, in the middle of our pain, can we possibly give thanks?
Paul was well aware of what he could and couldn't do. He knew his missionary work was far beyond his natural strength, so he became dependent on the power of the Holy Spirit at work in him. He kept the lines open between him and the Holy Spirit to work in his heart and mind. It is only when we stop struggling and surrender to God can we allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us. Then we become a pipeline for the Spirit's power to do impossible things, like give thanks even when we're hurting. I believing giving Thanks is one of the things that open up that power pipeline.
This thanksgiving you may be having a hard time seeing anything to be thankful for. Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time to remember and be grateful. Maybe looking back on this year you can't see many things you are grateful for or maybe they are too painful to remember. When my heart becomes ungrateful I always start naming off simple joys. My family, my friends, my heated blanket to warm my sore joints, My favorite worship album, my favorite movie. But most of all Jesus. Even in my pain, He is there he will never leave me or forsake me. Your circumstances may be miserable, and you're desperately praying they will change. God hears you he may allow your situation to continue, but know this: God is in control, not your circumstances. And he is right there with you. That is something to be very thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving friends
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Ps 34:18
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