We thank God for what we see as blessings, but did you ever consider thanking Him for something that doesn’t seem like a blessing—such as a trying circumstance or trial you want Him to remove or change? A grateful heart is most precious to God when we praise Him in the times we see ourselves afflicted. If we understand these four responses, we can begin to see the value of our adversities and respond with appreciation.

 

1. Accept the situation as coming from the Lord. If we truly believe He’s working for our good, we can choose to receive each difficulty as from His loving hand, whether it was directly sent or permissively allowed. Then we can say “Thank You.”

2. Submit to God in the circumstance. Although we may not like

the situation, knowing that God is good and does well allows us

to confidently place our lives under His authority. 

3. Believe and trust God. Only by viewing life from a biblical

perspective can we understand His purposes in our trials and

trust His wisdom in allowing them.

4. Draw from Him the strength to endure. No one has the ability

within himself to endure hardships with gratefulness. Only by

relying on the Lord can believers go through adversity with an

appreciative heart.

 

 

Now, think about that circumstance you would like changed, and with a new mindset, offer this prayer to God: “Lord, I accept this as coming from You. In faith and trust, I place myself under Your loving authority and draw from You the strength I need to endure with gratitude.”