Being Thankful When Times Get Hard
Some days it can feel like everything around us is falling apart.
Whether it's the world around us or something we are dealing with personally, one fact is true for all of us: when things are going wrong, God is always with us.
God has an endless strength for us when we have none at all. The key is keeping our focus on Him and His perfect plan for our lives. When we have a thankful heart in times of hardship, God blesses us with peace and joy.
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
As we go into jails, we see a lot of men who struggle with finding things to be thankful for. It can be hard for inmates to see the good around them when they are in such a hopeless environment. We spend a lot of time encouraging them to focus on God, helping them see that choosing God and accepting His love and forgiveness is what they need to stay strong and find new hope. When we see how God works in these men's lives, and watch how they find God and His peace in such a challenging place, we can't help but rejoice in the fact in that God can turn any situation into a way to glorify Him.
As we enter the season of thankfulness, we are reminded to pause and focus our hearts on the fact that we have God, and all of his promises, to hold on to.
With Him, there is nothing to fear. We are not alone.
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”