Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Psalm 50:23

Think: When things aren’t going exactly as you planned, do you thank God that His plans are better than yours? What if you lost your job? What if you in the middle of a divorce? When you look at verse 18, “in everything give thanks,” did you notice God did not say “remember to thank me for the nice, pleasant things in your life.” God did not say to only thank Him when the weather is sunny and all is right in the world. Sometimes thanksgiving is a sacrifice. Sometimes you have to thank God through clenched teeth. Sometimes you thank God through heaving sobs. Thanksgiving in the middle of a storm brings tremendous joy to His heart. Maybe this year it is a difficult year, maybe you are struggling with finding something good in your life. The secret to giving thanks is to find His sacred lining-look no further than Jesus. Despite everything else going on in your world, you can rejoice in Him. You can give thanks for His love, His care, and His mercy. It is there.

Application: Jesus, thank you for what you have done for me. Thank you for trusting me with this trial and I believe you will work this out for my good.

Pray: Jesus, help me to praise you through the storms. Help me to see your hand through the heaviness of life.