A few weeks ago, I read a devotional in Proverbs 31 Ministries about gratitude. The author wrote about attending her father’s funeral with her mother. The couple had been married for more than sixty years. When the pastor asked the wife how she was doing, her daughter was surprised that her mother, rather than weeping and saying how hurt she was, smiled and spoke about how grateful she was to God for the decades He gave them as a married couple.
I think most of us, when confronted with hard times, frightening events, or deep grief might find it difficult to express gratitude. I fully admit that I am not grateful that my daughter died at the age of 30, just two months after her wedding. Losing her is something I will never be thankful for. In the last two weeks alone, we have passed what would have been her 40th birthday and was my 67th. Every year when these dates approach I am struck with two thoughts: She should be here celebrating and I’m one year closer to seeing her again.
The author of the devotional goes on to reference 1 Thessalonians 5:18:
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
She points out how, for many years, she read this verse and wondered how God could expect us to follow this command. There are some events in every person’s life that are impossible to be grateful for. But she finally realized the subtle wording of the text: Paul isn’t telling his audience in this letter to be thankful for everything and every circumstance. He says IN every circumstance.
God does not give us bad things. We, as imperfect humans, live in an imperfect world where imperfect things happen. Sometimes scary, hard, awful things. God doesn’t expect us to be thankful for them. But He does allow us to come to Him with all our fears, pain, and grief and He will gather us in His arms and pour out His love, mercy, and grace every time. In every circumstance.
And we have every reason to be thankful for that.
Laura
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