Count Your Many Blessings

"In everything give thanks. . ." (1 Thessalonians 5:18). 

God did not say to give thanks for everything, but to give thanks in everything. So you need not thank God you lost your job or that you're not well, but you can be grateful that He knows, that He will provide for your needs, and that He is at work on your behalf. The remainder of verse 18 says why we should give thanks in everything: "For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Thankfulness is an obligation that God expects of us and wants from us. Yielding to His rule is vital to our spiritual health and growth as He works in and through His children, preparing us for heaven. 

Ask your Heavenly Father to remind you of His goodness towards you, and as He reminds you of one blessing after another, thank Him for His greatness, promises, faithfulness, and salvation from sin's penalty. He knows your limitations, your life's challenges ahead, the mistakes you will make, and the consequences that will follow. No matter what comes your way or how seriously you may fail, give thanks to God in everything, not for everything. He wants His best for you, and is so worthy of our gratitude.