I certainly understand that this can be a difficult task…to be thankful in every situation and every circumstance.  However, we are instructed in the Bible that we should be, “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20).  We also read in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  I often say that the Lord never gives us the responsibility to do something that He does not give us the ability to do. 

I will say that if we focus only on our circumstances, and not look to the Lord for help and guidance, we will find it impossible to be thankful during difficult times. In Matthew 14:22-33, we read of an occasion where the Lord Jesus instructed His disciples to “get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.” (Verse 22).  We then read in verse 24, “But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.”  During this terrible storm, the disciples witnessed an incredible sight…the Lord Jesus was walking on the sea and came towards them.  In verses 28-30 we read, “And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.”

Peter was fine walking towards the Lord until he took his eyes off Him.  When he focused on his impossible situation, instead of focusing on the Lord, he began to sink.  I think the lesson is obvious, isn’t it?  If we can learn to keep our eyes on the Lord and not be taken up with the circumstances around us, we will find peace and joy.  When he began to sink, Peter cried out, “Lord, save me.”  That was a proper prayer from a man who was in dire straits.  How did the Lord react? “Immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him…” (Verse 31). 

We all go through difficult times.  For the Christian, these should be times of learning and growing.  Romans 5:3-5 tells us, “…we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”  Tribulations, or difficult times of suffering, are meant to produce good impacts on our lives.  The Apostle James tells us in James 1:2-3,  “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” (James 1:2-3).  When we are called upon to endure various times of suffering and sorrow, the Lord is seeking to teach us valuable lessons.  We should thank Him for that.

A few verses to consider when we are going through difficult times are:

• Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”  Whatever it is the Lord is allowing (or causing) us to go though, we can be assured that it will work out for the good of those who belong to Him.  We should thank Him for that.
• 1 Corinthians 10:13, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”  The Lord will not allow you to endure any trial, or temptation, that is more than you can handle when you look to Him.  When we suffer, the Lord is right there to provide a way of escape.  Perhaps it will not be an immediate escape, but one in due time, after patience has had its perfect work in us.  We should thank Him for that.
• Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”  For all believers, the Lord has a plan to bless us and bring us to a place of peace and good expectations.  We should thank Him for that.

So, how can we be thankful in every situation?  Realize the love of the Lord, His desire to bless us, and to use every occasion to build us up, make us stronger, and make us better equipped to serve Him.  We should thank Him for that.  (CC)  (717.6)