In Everything . . .
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Lately, I have been having a bad time with pain in my ear and throat. Every time I swallow, it is really painful, and
I have a fever as well. This has been going on now for over a month, and while the condition is not life-threatening, the symptoms are still difficult
to live with. One day, I went to my piano to play some hymns, because they cheer me up when I am going through a trial. As I sat down to play, the
words came to me, “In every thing give thanks,” and I wondered how I could give thanks for this.
As I thought about those words, numerous blessings began to come to mind. I realized I could thank the Lord that even though I was in pain most of the
time, I did not have to stay in bed. I could thank Him that even though I had a fever, it was not a high one. I could thank Him that the lump on my
thyroid gland was not cancer, and I could get through the day without having to depend on someone else to get my meals or do the chores that need to
be done every day. Most of all, I can rejoice in knowing that no matter what I go through in this life, my sins have been forgiven and one day I will
enter my home in Heaven and live there for eternity.
In bringing that Scripture to my mind, the Lord helped change my perspective by focusing on the positive aspects of my situation. He is so gentle with
us, encouraging us through His Word, songs, support from loved ones, and a variety of other means. As we follow close to God, He provides just what
we need to make it through any trial.
One of my favorite songs says, “He’s in the midst of our storm. He’s in the valley we walk through.” Even though we cannot see Him, we can know that He
is with us in everything that is going on in our lives. He is ever near, even if we cannot see Him or feel His presence.