In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
As difficult as life is, God says that we should “in everything give thanks.” This command forces us to frame every difficult circumstance within the context of thanksgiving. My friend Robin Phillips writes, “Gratitude releases us to lean into the pain, to stand face-to-face with the complexities of life and to not to despair. In contrast to cynicism and sentimentalism, gratitude does not accept detachment from suffering; rather it provides the inner resources for genuine engagement.” When you cultivate gratitude like that, your thankful heart has the resources to lean further into your pain and even face it without a hint of self-focus. So although you may feel overwhelmed by difficulties right now, start counting your blessings. Gratefully, they are your best resources against every discouragement.
