Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV)

Arriving at the hospital’s Emergency department at 6 p.m. with my 5 and 7 year old granddaughters in tow, I was relieved to see an almost empty waiting room.  I figured we would get in and out quickly.  Wrong.  Several already in progress emergency situations resulted in a long wait. Fortunately, a friend arrived and brought along snacks, blankets and a card game for the girls. 

As the hours passed, we grew weary before a nurse practitioner arrived and ordered a test.  I thought things would now move along quickly.  Wrong. Finally, after 11 p.m. the doctor arrived, completed an examination, reviewed the test results and made a diagnosis.  Now we simply had to wait for a prescription as well as medication which would be administered at the hospital before our release.  Two hours later, we finally trudged out into the dark winter night.

Five-year-old Lindy was crying.  Ade, who was ill, was feeling cross and I was dragging my feet as I knew it would be after 1:30 a.m. before we arrived home. To top things off both girls began to angrily grumble about the long wait.  I agreed that it had taken a long time but at least there was a hospital and a doctor and we did receive medicine and a prescription.  We had also had a nice, warm place to sit and wait and a friend had arrived to wait with us, feed us snacks and play games.  Remembering these positives was the turning point for the girls. Their complaining ceased, as thankfulness took the forefront. They now hurried toward the car, laughing and talking about how they had never before stayed up so late and weren’t all the stars in the sky beautiful.

Giving thanks, in all circumstances truly is the turning point when it comes to making a bad situation into something better.  As Christians, God does not suggest but rather he commands that we give thanks in all circumstances, and as we consider and place our faith in these truths, it becomes quite an easy and joyful thing to do.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1 NIV)

Today is grumbling and complaining due to a difficult situation, affecting your life? If so, turn your attitude around by remembering and practicing giving thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

You’ll be ever so glad if you do.

Prayer: Father remind us of your precious truths that our hearts might overflow with thanksgiving amidst any situation, turning a difficult situation into something better.  In Christ’s name. Amen

Lynne Phipps
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada