REMEMBER to be grateful by Gary Rose

Lately, things haven't been going so well; problems of all kinds and personal health have been a hindrance. Then I saw this picture today and though- "even the bad things"??

Yes, even those things which I might classify as BAD.

Then I thought of this passage from Thessalonians....

1 Thessalonians, Chapter 5 (World English Bible)

 ¹⁶  Rejoice always.

  ¹⁷ Pray without ceasing.

  ¹⁸ In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. (emphasis added)

  ¹⁹ Don’t quench the Spirit.

  ²⁰ Don’t despise prophesies.

  ²¹ Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good.

  ²² Abstain from every form of evil.

I looked at this list; some things are generic and some specific. Then I realized that the specific things like verses 19 and 20 seemed easy for me, but the generic that involved all situations was another matter. Giving thanks: When the car breaks down, a check bounces, you get really, really sick or even something like the betrayal of a close friend- these things are different and difficult.

Here is something that might help...

Colossians, Chapter 3 (WEB)

 ¹⁷  Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.

Christians are to have Christ in every aspect of their lives, remember???