The great 16th-century theologian Martin Luther once experienced a long period of worry and despondency. One day his wife dressed in black mourning clothes.
"Who has died?" asked Luther.
"God," said his wife.
"God!" said Luther, horrified. "How can you say such a thing?"
She replied, "I’m only saying what you are living."
Luther realized that he indeed was living as if God were no longer alive and watching over them in love. He changed his outlook from gloom to gratitude.
Occasionally we too live as if God were dead. When we are discouraged, we can turn to the Psalms. Some of the writers faced bleak and barren times, but they had one habit in common that kept them from being soured: giving thanks to God. For example, David wrote: "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing. . . . O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever" (Psalm 30:11-12).
Meeting every situation with thanksgiving isn’t a denial of trouble. It helps us see those situations from God’s perspective – as opportunities to discover His power and love.
Every time you express gratitude to God in a difficult situation, you’re declaring, "God is alive!" – Joanie Yoder
When things go wrong, I would not be a grumbler,
Complaining, seeing everything as grim;
For when I think of how the Lord has blessed me,
I cannot help but give my praise to Him. – Hess
READ: Psalm 30
Instead of complaining about the thorns on roses, be thankful for the roses among the thorns.