I have this friend and I love her to pieces. When I am complaining about my life, sometimes she looks at me and says “Elaine, those are first world problems.” And she’s right. Some of the things I whine about are definitely not problems.
But, there are problems that are not first world. There are days when the news is overwhelming and you can’t see how you are going to get through.
Whether you are dealing with pesky problems or life altering news, giving thanks is important. Maybe we aren’t going to give thanks for the horrible news we just received but we can give thanks for things around it. We can give thanks for people that help us on the journey. We can give thanks for God’s voice in the middle of the mess. We can give thanks that nothing we are walking through ever surprised God. He is in it with us.
In America today, we are celebrating Thanksgiving. Maybe we shouldn’t just give thanks for our bounty but also for the trials that draw us closer to our Creator.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 107:1 (NLT)
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2
And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:15
Then I will praise God’s name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30