Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

Devotion:

Six years ago, during my sophomore year of college, I started experiencing excruciating pain in all my joints. After months of endless doctor appointments, countless blood tests, and waiting to see a specialist, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. 

I was mad. 

This diagnosis had messed up all the plans I had set for myself and to be quite frank, I was angry with God. My attitude was not one of gratitude. In fact, it was the complete opposite and caused my heart to become hardened towards Christ.

In Ephesians 5, Paul instructs the Ephesians to “give thanks to God always and for everything.” Job exemplified this command in the Old Testament. He experienced unimaginable pain, suffering, and hardship, yet in the end he chose to praise and thank the Lord. He had an attitude of gratitude despite his situation and because of that God blessed him.

Ultimately, gratitude is a choice. It does not come naturally. In “divine difficult times,” it is hard to see past the pain, but we serve a loving God who longs for us to draw near to him during these difficult seasons of life. When we show gratitude to God, our perspective shifts. We no longer focus on the stress and pain of our present situation, but we are reminding ourselves of all the good God has done, and that he is and always will be in control.

Believers, don’t dwell on the painful hard times. This is not God’s will for your life and it is where the deceiver wants us to stay. It clouds our thoughts and leaves no room for gratitude. I am speaking from a place of experience. It leaves you angry, bitter, fearful, and ungrateful. Rather than grumbling and complaining, “bless the Lord” (Psalm 103) with your whole entire soul. Express gratitude daily and never forget all that God has done and will continue to do in and through you. 

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father,

Guide us as we go through the different seasons of life. Whether we are on the mountain top or the valley low, may we continually offer our sincerest gratitude to you. Protect our hearts and attitudes that they might not become hardened when things do not go our way. When we walk through the divine difficult times, help us draw near and grow closer to you.

Amen.

Sydney Mosshart

Administrative Assistant to LifeCare Programming

Sydney Mosshart is an Administrative Assistant for LifeCare Programming at Crossings Community Church. She finds joy in creating a comfortable and fun environment so others are able to encounter Christ and strengthen their relationship with him.

Resources: 

• “I’ll Give Thanks” by Housefires, Kirby Kaple
• “Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude” from Summer in the Psalms Sermon Series.
• Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude series

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