Thankfulness

This week our small group lesson subject was on having a thankful attitude. It's hard to keep a subject like thankfulness simple. Being thankful isn't always easy, but it's always nescessary. God's word says;
" Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thess 5:18.

That's a pretty tall order.  Give thanks in all circumstances. How do the victims of the earthquake in Haiti give thanks? How does a woman just receiving word she has breast cancer again, give thanks? How does someone who's just lost a loved one give thanks? Someone who's lost a job? Or, lost their home in a fire?

 We know God always has purpose in everything He does. He doesn't waste anything. He's perfect in all His ways. Trials and hardships, if nothing else, give us opportunity to draw nearer to God the Father. A chance to crawl up on His knee and let Him wrap His loving arms around us. We can always be thankful that God is faithful and trustworthy, no matter what. The trial will not be pleasant but drawing nearer to God is always rewarding. "Come near to God and He will come near to you..." James 4:8
There's a lot that could be said about this subject, but I believe it really boils down to us making the proper choice.
 Choosing to be thankful will give us a positive outlook, letting us rise above our circumstance, giving us greater vision of what's happening. A negative, ungrateful attitude can only bring negativity, bitterness, self pity and possibly depression.
I believe the former to be the better, though much more difficult choice. LORD, help me to remember to choose to be thankful in all circumstances.

" Gratitude is the attitude that sets the altitude for living".... James MacDonald. An allusive but worthy goal  to shoot for....

" Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15