What is there to be thankful for?

Have you noticed on any given day that a majority of messages shared on social media are some form of attempt at encouragement for those suffering difficulties in life?

But if we paused for a moment to consider life in America, we’d have to say that a hefty majority of us live each day without heavy, presssing difficulties in life. Most of us have each day our daily needs, are relatively healthy, and have opportunities people in other countries only dream of. As people give consideration today to what they have to be thankful for, many will will see it’s quite a list!

There is a HOWEVER, though. There are also millions — even in America — who suffer great trials every day, people for whom just “getting by” is their biggest daily challenge. And even those who are comfortable now will have an occasional “trying time” in their lives.

But if today, even though it’s Thanksgiving Day, is one of those days when struggle, trial, difficulty, pain, or lack seem to be pressing hard into your life, there is still something to thank God for.

Really?

Yes, and we can learn what it is from the story about Scottish minister Alexander Whyte, who was known for his uplifting prayers in the pulpit. He always found something for which to be grateful. One Sunday morning the weather was so gloomy that one church member thought to himself, “Certainly the preacher won’t think of anything for which to thank the Lord on a wretched day like this.” Much to his surprise, however, Whyte began by praying, “We thank Thee, O God, that it is not always like this.”

If today is a tough day, thank God that every day isn’t like today!

There is no circumstance in our human experience in which there isn’t something for which we could give God thanks for. And doing just that is God’s will for us!

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus,” 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

I hope you’re one of the hosts of people who find their life situations one of wallowing in abundant blessings from God! But if you aren’t, if life is a little tougher for you today, thank God every day isn’t like today!

Scotty