Day 28

 

GRATITUDE / ADVERSITY / PAIN

 

Today I talked to someone who was in pain. There is so much we could say and share about the ministry of pain. There is so much of it! Could we talk today about our attitude toward pain? Let me mention one during these brief moments we have on the telephone.

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It’s the attitude of gratitude!

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The apostle Paul comes to my mind. He wore the garment of gratitude in all of his hardships, heartaches and hurts. This man writes from prison where it is damp and cold. "In everything giving thanks, for this is the will of God concerning you" 1 Thess. 5:18. " Giving thanks for all things unto God in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" Eph.5:20.

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I read of an invalid who said, "Today I've experienced the most exquisite pleasure that I have ever had in my life; I was able to breathe freely for five minutes." Having read that, I was thankful that breathing comes easily to me. We take so many things for granted.

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We must also learn to reflect upon the spiritual benefits received from adversity and trials. An old Scottish prayer book contains a beautiful expression of praise that emphasizes the value of our trials. It says that through difficulties our souls are enriched by the fuller experience of God's love, a more childlike dependence on His will, and a sympathy for the suffering and sad.

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Whether life is pleasant or difficult, lets look for reasons to give thanks. We can find them all around us. Conscious gratitude will enrich life's pleasures and sweeten its pains.

 

 

Read:

Psalm 13  A prayer for help in trouble.