During the most trying times of our lives, it is difficult to give thanks. It is difficult to recognize the good in any situation when you are feeling overwhelmed by a negative situation. In the pentacostal movement, they refer to giving thanks to the LORD in the midst of adversity as "a sacrifice of praise"
It is in the moments when we are going thru our trials, similar to what Job went thru in the Old Testament, when everything is falling around us and there seems to be no end in sight, or even any good that could possibly come into our lives because we feel theweight of loss, that our souls need for and cry out to GOD for help, that we need to and must give thanks for the minute blessings around us. What I mean is this, as you are praying with all your heart and crying out with all your soul, give thanks that you are heard by Heavenly Father and that He will answer your prayer. He may not answer it the way you want Him to, but He does answer and give you peace and strength and for that, give thanks. For friends that listen and offer comfort, love and support, give thanks. For your basic needs being met, give thanks. Especially when you don't feel like it, give thanks and believe it or not, you will feel better just for offering sincere gratitude to our Heavenly Father.
At this moment, my family is going thru a huge trial. I am grateful that thru the midst of this storm, I have the strength of the Holy Ghost and the comfort in knowing that HE will help us to grow as a family and support one another and learn to love each other even more. If I focused on the situation itself, it would be enough to really throw me into a tailspin and sickness, but because of the Holy Ghost, I can love and support my family without fear of illness or despair. I am amazed at the peace in my soul and grateful to Heavenly Father for both protecting me from grief and giving me the wisdom to support my loved ones. And for this, I give thanks.
Tis the season of Thanksgiving. I encourage you to look around at all that you have and be grateful for those blessings. Have a Blessed Holiday with your families and GOD BLESS!!!
Angela
