Thankfulness when things don’t work out well

In light of the election (and more than one war)I am reminding myself to be grateful. No matter who wins the election half the country is upset and running around like Chicken Little. Half the country feels like the Dodgers last week and half like the Yankees!

I am thankful still… this retelling of the Emperors New Clothes is not the end of the world and it too will pass in 4 years – I am grateful for things like resilience and strength of character. I am thankful that we have term limits (the Israelites spent 70 years in Babylon). I am grateful for opportunities to grow and gain perspective. I am glad that I can do hard things and know how to learn from challenges. I appreciate the things I have and the ability to adapt. I am thankful that even in tough times there are still things to focus on and things for which I can be thankful. No.Matter.What…

There is always something to be thankful for – even on the hard days, even when I am sad, angry or confused.

The exiled Israelites hung up their harps in the willow trees (Ps. 137:2) and subsequently their joy before their captors. I can choose to do the same, but I refuse to relinquish my joy (abandon my harp) before a watching world.

God is still on the throne. He can be trusted.

I am kind and valued – even though not by everyone…

I have underwear that is more than 4 years old. I may still be using these panties when I vote for the next president!

I have peace that definitely passes all understanding.

I have a strong support system.

Adversity has helped me learn new skills and be more empathetic toward others who are struggling.

I have a bigger perspective as I live in relationship to a big God.

I have learned to keep moving forward with determination. I have gained resilience and I can do a lot more things than I thought I could.

I know God will have the last laugh.

I have a renewed appreciation for simple things like health, family and shelter

Especially since Jim died, I have come to a deeper understanding of myself.

My faith has grown, my convictions have deepened and I know more contentment than before.

I have enough – hope – joy – peace – faith for today. Tomorrow will take care of itself

The Bible has much to say about thankfulness. There are the verses that describe thankfulness in moments of pure joy and celebration including,

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.” (Ps. 100:4)

There are also verses that talk of thankfulness in a really practical rubber-meets-the-road kind of way,

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).

And there are those verses on thankfulness that can challenge us to our core,

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). 

 Even with a death threat hanging over his head, Daniel went into his room and did what he had always done. He got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God. (Daniel 6:10). While Paul was actually in prison, he wrote of thankfulness and joy in the midst of suffering (Philippians 4:6). Jesus himself, knowing that he was about to be arrested and crucified, went to an upper room with his disciples to have one last meal, and gave thanks to God before breaking bread and taking the communion cup (Matthew 26:26,27). Corrie Ten Boom learned to thank God for fleas!

It’s clear He is calling me to something more. He is asking me to be thankful in ALL circumstances, even in the hard times. A heart of gratitude brings peace and hope; I really need that to live this life.