Monday, July 19, 2021

Dear Young Christian:

If we are honest, we may have to admit that it’s easy to give thanks for favorable things and happy circumstances, but difficult to give thanks for the painful things in life. But the Lord uses painful things as well as easier things to produce glory for Himself and blessing to us. Without complaint, and with the realization that He is doing all for our good, let us give Him thanks for the difficulties He allows. He is using them to produce in us spiritual fruit and a beautiful reflection of Christ, which the positive circumstances alone could never yield.

I am not saying that the painful things are easy or that we should become callous or indifferent to them. But we need to cultivate the habit of thanksgiving no matter what.

Here are some verses to think on as you face life this week:

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever” (Psalm 106:1).

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

“Giving thanks always for all things” (Ephesians 5:20).

Your Christians Friend,

Jim Hyland