Giving Thanks in Hard Times

When hard times come, we can choose to turn away from God. But hardening our heart toward Him in anger or denial hampers our ability to deal with suffering in a healthy way - making it difficult to hear His voice and receive comfort or strength.

Trials then, become an opportunity to return to Him. We see how what appears to be for harm, God can use for good. And recognizing His power to transfigure our suffering into something beautiful is what allows us to give thanks in the midst of the pain we feel.

Hard times can seem to drag on forever, yet the Apostle Paul called them "momentary light affliction"(2 Cor. 4:17). Even trials that last a lifetime on earth pass in an instant, compared to eternity. When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.

Remembering that He suffered, too, can move us to take comfort in and be grateful for what He's accomplishing through our circumstances - even when His purpose is not yet evident. If we allow Him, He can use our suffering to transform our lives.

Though the fig tree should not blossom

and there be no fruit on the vines,

Though the yield of the olive should fail

And the fields produce no food,

Though the flock should be cut off from the fold

And there be no cattle in the stalls, 

Yet I will exult in the Lord,

I will rejoice in the God of my salvation

The Lord God is my strength,

And He has made my feet like hinds' feet

And makes me walk on my high places

-Habakkuk 3:17-19

Habakkuk was able to offer thanksgiving in spite of bad news. He saw terrible sorrow, pain and trouble ahead for his people, but he also discerned, through the eyes of faith, that God would make a way to overcome each looming enemy.

God produces in us the spiritual agility to climb where others might stumble and tumble downwards. He has equipped us, through the Holy Spirit, to be just as secure and safe on a steep, treacherous peak as we would be on the bank of a quiet stream.

Like Habakkuk, we can face any unexpected calamity with a spirit of thanksgiving if we make a decision to live by faith.

His will is best, no matter what lies ahead. God may not move our mountain, but He can give us the ability to climb. What matters is that we keep moving, walking with Him.

PRACTICING GRATITUDE

Sometimes when we're suffering, we can have difficulty thinking of anything to be grateful for. The more we practice the discipline of gratitude, the easier it will become, whether times are good or bad. Here are a few ideas to prime the pump:

• Start Small - a hug and a kiss from your children? Avoiding traffic? A warm, sunshiney day, Appreciating a garden or a butterfly as you pass by, the list are endless.
• Make A List - Whenever you get caught up in fear, frustration, or pain, make a list of all that you're grateful for to remind you of the love of God.
• Go to Scripture for Prompts - Use Psalm 107:8-9 as a guide. Or use any passage that's special to you; just thank God for what it reveals about Him.

 "Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
   and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty
   and fills the hungry with good things"

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excerpt from 'Giving Thanks in Hard Times' by Leanne Benfield Martin, and 'Over the Mountain' by Ginger Garrett, articles from Intouch magazine October 2011 issue