Gratitude opens the eyes of the heart to God’s providence, even where trials conceal a blessing.
It is easy to give thanks when everything unfolds according to your desires. But faith matures when you learn to thank God even for what you do not yet understand. Not because suffering is good in itself, but because God is able to bring good even out of what seems painful.
The one who gives thanks does not deny the reality of affliction. Rather, he beholds it in the light of hope. He knows that no tear is forgotten, no prayer goes unheard, and no trial endured in faith is without fruit before God.
Begin each day with thanksgiving, and end each day with thanksgiving. Give thanks for what you see and for what you do not yet see. Give thanks for the doors God has opened and for those He has closed. Often the greatest blessings are hidden in the answers we would never have chosen for ourselves.
The heart that gives thanks ceases to live from what it lacks and begins to live from the fullness of God’s love. Where gratitude dwells, murmuring finds no place.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” (Psalm 103:2)
