Giving Thanks Even In The Tough Times - Bible Bites Psalm 107:1

Sometimes we may find it hard to give thanks in certain moments or periods of our lives. We may see the negative things around us, the condition of the world, or set our gaze on the things we lack.

But once we set our eyes on the LORD, we see things differently! We know that there is no good apart from God. No one is good and no one has any capacity for good apart from God. Jesus tells us in Mark 10:18, "...No one is good except God alone." That may sound harsh, but it is the reality. Who has not sinned? Who doesn't sin in some way on a daily basis? If our standard is God, and it is (1 Peter 1:16 for example), we have no room to say that we are good. We all fall short of the standard that's been set before us.

But here's the thing, in our wretchedness, God still loves us, still pours out undeserved blessings on us, every day!
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. - Lamentations 3:22-23

Even though we deserve nothing from God, He surrounds us with His blessings, a roof over our head, food to eat, soft beds to sleep in. Even if we didn't have those things, we could still look around us and find reason to give thanks. The beauty His creation surrounds us, the flowers of the spring, the colorful leaves of autumn, the pure white snow of winter, sunrise and sunset! We're not even scratching the surface, there is so much to give thanks for!

Is there any good thing in our lives? If there is something good, we know that even if it came through loved-ones or someone else, it ultimately came from God in His great love for us!
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights...-James 1:17

There is plenty of reason to give thanks in all circumstances. We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) This is why in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 we are told to Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Lets give thanks to the LORD this Thanksgiving and every day!