Last week I wrote a blog entitled “Thanking God in ALL things and why we should”. As I wrote, I sensed that I was getting ready to have to eat my words. I felt like we were going to be faced with a situation where things did not go as planned. It’s easy to tell a story that happened years ago and reflect back on it with thanksgiving for how it all turned out. But when faced with real life problems, I often forget everything I’ve learned and default to reactive impulses. In those moments, what I need is a gentle reminder of truth. That reminder came to me by way of my own blog. God is so funny.
We left Thursday for a long weekend to New York City, flying out of Charlotte, NC. Hurricane Michael roared into town right in time for our departure. Anxiously, we watched as flights were delayed. Our hearts sank when we read the word ‘CANCELLED’ next to our flight. Things were not going as we had planned. The airline immediately placed us on a 7pm flight which meant we were to wait for 8 hours. We were confused but reminded of my words I had written just a few days before. We began giving God thanks in ALL things, and not just me, my whole family. We thanked God for the opportunity to travel. We thanked God for the 7pm flight. We thanked God that we were safe and together. The oddest thing happened, we were content and filled with peace, not tied up in knots that things had not worked out the way we thought. God provided us with HIS peace. And we were thankful for it.
It’s always easy to look back and find the good in any situation. But when you are staring trouble in the face, I hope you will be reminded what to do when things get tough. We thank God anyway. Because His ways are higher than our ways and his thoughts are higher than our thoughts. God is our reason for life. God has given us everything we have, even our breath. Everything comes from HIS hand. And He’s a good, good father. So whatever you need to do, whether it’s listening to a song, reading your favorite scripture or reading this blog, remember. Thank God in All things. Even when it is hard. Because in those moments when you press into God, God will meet you. God gives us good gifts, like peace and joy in the midst of problems and messed up circumstances. God is so good. He’s the giver of life and we should thank HIM in all things.
God! His way is perfect;
the Lord’s word is tried and true.
He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
Prayer: Father God, when things aren’t going the way I think they should, help me remember that you are not only my God but you are a good God. Your way is perfect and all good things come from your hand.Thank you for all the things you do for me both seen and unseen. Help me to remember to thank you in all things. In Jesus Name, Amen. -M
One thought on “What you should do when it is hard to thank God”
Thank you, Melissa for a beautiful message. How often are we tested by our own words? Thank God for The Word!