This scripture has sometimes been overwhelming to me, and other times it is something that challenges me. To be cheerful and thankful no matter what happens, and pray all the time, is not the easiest thing to accomplish. But I have discovered it makes a HUGE difference in my life. I have learned that I have control over my reactions, and when I choose to find the positives among the hards, and to be thankful in the midst of the challenges, changes my entire outlook on life.
God doesn't want us to be miserable or confused. He wants to help us to be cheerful in all things, thankful no matter what is happening around us, and in prayer with Him constantly because that is when we are most powerful and useable. That's when His grace and mercy shine through us in amazing ways. That is when people look at what we have and wonder what they are missing out on. That's when we have incredible opportunities to share what He is doing in our lives.
I know what it is like to go through some hard things. I have lived a life that has had some unspeakable things happen in it. But through out it all He is still God, He never changes, and He is still good. How can I say that, even as I am walking through yet another heart breaking season of life. Because His promises for me are still true, and I can see His hand at work in the midst of it all. Are we struggling right now? yes. Do we cry easier right now then normal? Yes. But we are also watching closer to see what He is doing...and as we watch, we are getting to see Him use our pain to come alongside others who are struggling...use our pain to make us grow more in Him...using our pain to help us pray more often together and ask that His will be done. And honestly, that is priceless...and redeems the pain in my eyes. It doesn't make the pain any less real and raw...but it makes it worth it! God is GOOD! all the time...in all things.
