“…give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18b
Most of us are not happy when bad things happen to us or to someone we care about. Life is full of ups and downs, good and bad and our first response is not always to praise or thank God. Instead, we may become angry, we might pout or we may even try to “fix” the situation on our own.
But God’s Word gives us some perfect advice. In Psalm 46:10 God tells us “Be still and know that I am God.” Verse 11 continues to reassure us that the Lord Almighty is with us. So first of all, we have to “settle down” and acknowledge that God is still in control. Such wonderful peace can be found when we just release everything to God, who loves us dearly.
Secondly, when we get closer to God, He will get closer to us (James 4:8). He inhabits our praise, Psalm 22:3. Through prayer and worship, not only will we gain peace, but we will feel His presence with us in renewed strength and the confidence that we are not alone.
Thirdly, Jesus says clearly that in this world there will be trouble, but He also says , “TAKE HEART FOR I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD!” What a glorious promise! Satan may try to get us down and out, but Jesus our Savior , has already defeated him. Through His salvation we will have the victory!
So when troubles come, let us give thanks to God, not for the problems, but for His love and power that will see us through. Let us pray and draw near to God so that He can fill us with joy and turn our troubles into blessings.