Let’s face it. When the trials of life come, it is not always easy to be thankful for them. We were not born into this world with a grateful nature. As babies, we cried when we needed something. It was all about us. At times, it still is.

But as a child of God, we can find comfort knowing that He always has a plan, and He never wastes a single thing that we go through. He is constantly working toward fulfilling His perfect plan in our lives.

Maybe He is growing your endurance.

James 1:2 says, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” 

Maybe He is preparing you to help others.

“Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:4

Certainly the plan is for your good.

“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.” Romans 8:28

Certainly the plan is for His glory.

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27

There have definitely been times in my life when I have struggled to be grateful. Maybe that is true for you too. Finding out about a cancer diagnosis. Losing a job. Losing a loved one.

The list seems endless and, at times, unbearable. But God is always there through it all.

I read an article recently about Thanksgiving that said there is a difference between thankfulness and thanksgiving. Thankfulness is felt in our hearts. It is not given until it is spoken. Not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day, we should tell our friends and family that we are grateful for them and why. Most importantly, we should thank the Lord from Whom ALL blessings flow…

Psalm 103:1-5 is a perfect passage to show our gratitude to the God who created us and gets us through every trial of this life one day at a time.

“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

We have so much to be thankful for. I love the last part of that passage that says He satisfies our desires with good things so our youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Life is hard all the time, but God is good all the time too, and there is nothing too hard for Him to get us through.

Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. strength. and not be faint.”

Never give up no matter what comes. Never quit being thankful. God will renew your strength if you will hope and trust in Him.

Please share your comments, experiences and encouragement for our readers. Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today.

Hope you and your family had a Happy Thanksgiving! May God bless you and your family through this holiday season and into the new year to come!