Gratitude in Difficulty

In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. // 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The incessant chiming dragged me from my blissful slumber. I groaned and rolled over to silence the alarm, heavy with fatigue. As I mentally began wishing the day away, a quick nudge from the Holy Spirit stopped me. Right.

Hi, God. Thanks for waking me up today. Help me offer it all to You.

I slid my feet toward the floor, headed for my closet, when pain shot through my leg. No! Not today. I sucked in a sharp breath and clenched my teeth. My joint disease had been more manageable the past week; I didn’t have the time or energy for another flare up.

Again, I checked myself. Thanks for the good days, Lord. For this sanctifying suffering today . . . even though I don’t understand it. Please use this pain for good.

And so it went throughout the day.

Overwhelm at my packed schedule was softened by a prompting to be thankful for my husband, family, and ability to still work.

Annoyance while stuck in heavy traffic shifted to gratitude as I beheld the morning sun glinting off the majestic mountains and breathed, “Oh! Thank You, Lord!”

Weariness over my bland, restrictive diet was checked by the chance to thank God for the blessing of food and the means to buy it.

A spiritual director had long ago encouraged me to thank God for everything—especially in difficulty—even if all I could muster was gratitude for what hadn’t gone wrong that day.

A slow shift had occurred, despite my deeply ingrained and seemingly infinite moments of grumbling. I noticed the whisper of grace more often in response to my headstrong protests. Teach me how to be more grateful, I’d pray.

Day by day, He did.
Day by day, He can for you too.

Ask Him for the grace of gratitude, especially in the hardest circumstances. Thank Him—even for the suffering, and even when you don’t feel like it or understand it. Slowly, your difficulties will become infused by God’s upholding grace. Slowly, you’ll begin to understand that all is a gracious gift from Him. And ultimately, even your most difficult moments will be ruled and redeemed by Love Himself.

Thank God for everything. // Megan HjelmstadClick to tweet

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