When Easy Doesn’t Live Here: Living by Faith When Life Is Hard a 7 - Day Plan By: Joy A. WilliamsUddrag

DAY 4: THE NEED FOR A THANKFUL HEART

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV)

The words and phrases in these verses can cause us to pause and think. Rejoicing always? Isn't there an exception when life hurts? Praying without ceasing can be problematic if we have no idea what we should say to God. The idea of giving thanks in all circumstances may feel unreasonable when circumstances stink.

However, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 doesn't make light of our pain. Chances are, if you are reading this bible plan, you're looking for encouragement during a difficult season or trying to make sense of what baffles you. But rejoicing, praying, and thankfulness are not just responses to life; they are disciplines or spiritual practices. Each one keeps us open to the power and presence of God.

Understandably, we won't feel grateful for everything that happens to us or have all the answers to why it happened. As we wrestle with emotions and questions, spiritual warfare is real. The enemy of our soul wants us to be consumed by the thought of what God allowed.

And yet, we walk in victory when we realize what God has done for us through Christ. ( John 16:33) Crisis or no crisis, His redemption doesn't diminish. It is meant to be our resilience as we learn to trust Him more. No wonder rejoicing, praying, and thankfulness are His will for those who believe. They declare God is good, even when life is not. (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

PRAYER: Lord, when rejoicing, praying, and gratitude don't come easy; I still choose to look to You. I declare You are good, even when my circumstances are not. May I remain open to You and grow in Your grace. Even now, I pray with a thankful heart knowing Your faithfulness never fails. In Jesus' name, amen.