Giving thanks in difficult times

Today is Thanksgiving Day in the USA, the day set aside to reflect on the blessings we have received and on the Giver; however, the thought of giving thanks during difficult times can seem impossible, even ludicrous. The question may be asked, “What do I have to give thanks for?” or, “How can I give thanks for this … this heartbreak, this betrayal, this disappointment, this traumatic loss, this illness …?”  We do so as we do everything else, “through Him.” 

Listen to the instruction in Hebrews 13:15 (Amplified):

“Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.”

He tells us to give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and then enables us to do so (Philippians 2:13).  Also, when we offer Him praise and thanksgiving, we glorify Him (Psalm 50:23)  and magnify Him (Psalm 69:30). You will agree that if there is ever a time when we need Him magnified, it is during the difficult seasons of our lives when all we can see is what is hard, scary, and painful about our circumstances.  When He is magnified, we gain a different perspective on our circumstances and ourselves. Let us, with His help, give Him thanks today.