Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.  Psalm 136:1

Life is a struggle.  Christ confirmed this in John 16:33 “In the world you have tribulation”.  Life with chronic illness or pain increases the level of difficulty.  In addition to facing life’s common trials and managing the chores of living while not feeling well, there are other hurdles such as:  side effects of medications, interactions with medical personnel that may be less than attentive, medical procedures to manage and endure; insurance problems and often mounting debt.  It’s easy to become overwhelmed and wallow in fatigue and frustration.  Sometimes just getting through the day is so challenging that we may forget how much we have to be thankful for and fail to properly respond to it.  Thankfulness is a choice that too often gets lost in the shuffle.

A couple of years ago, a friend was part of a mission trip arranged by our church.  After returning home, the group provided a recap during our worship service.  As is common, the presentation included photos.  One was of a sick woman who lived alone in a hut, slept on a mat on the dirt floor and had minimal options for clothing.   (I believe it was limited to a second dress.)  Due to the common pitfall of coveting and arrogance, I generally do not like to compare my circumstances to that of another.  However, in this case, God used it to start moving me to appreciate what I take for granted.  In contrast to woman in the picture, our home is generally comfortable.  Despite the difference of opinion regarding the appropriate setting of the thermostat (yes, we are one of those couples), we are protected from temperature extremes and the elements.  Our bed is soft and warm.  The closet has clothes for every season.  My wife and children care for me as the need arises.  While it is not our first choice, my wife has a career that amply provides for our general wellbeing.  Further, despite its imperfections, we enjoy medical care that is much better than the world average.  In these, there is much to be thankful for.

Then there is the general grace that we enjoy.  Since we are still living, our Lord is sustaining our bodies and holding them together. It may be with difficulty, but we breathe, communicate our needs and wants, and receive nourishment.   Even if it is only through a window, we can enjoy God creation around us. He has also provided the ability to endure our circumstances thus far.  Most of us in Western Culture still enjoy the freedom to worship God without fear of persecution.    Finally, despite the effects of sin in our bodies and lives, there is so much more from which God has protected us.

As our culture is obsessed with what we are entitled to, let’s go one step deeper to what we actually deserve.  Romans 6:23 tells us that “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”.  Further, Romans 3:23 tells us that “all have sinned”.  So despite conventional “wisdom”, the best that we deserve is death and punishment…a punishment that is devoid of God’s presence.  However, in God’s mercy, we Christians have been given the gift of salvation and spared the agony of Hell and, more importantly, separation from God.  Further, we have Christ and the Holy Spirit with us, interceding for us and giving us the grace to endure “the race that is set before us”…both physically and spiritually.   In that light, we are truly blessed both now and for eternity.

Yes, in this life we will have trouble, but in the rest of the verse, Christ tells us to “take courage; for I have overcome the world”.   So as we awaken, go through our day and lie down at night, let us choose to thank God for His mercies large and small.  Let us focus on the many things that He has graciously provided, rather than what we have lost or must endure.  Join with me in being thankful that we do not suffer alone, but God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is with us sustaining us, providing for us, comforting us and encouraging us in ways that are infinitely better than we deserve.

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing.
Know that the Lord Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving
And His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
For the Lord is good;
His lovingkindness is everlasting
And His faithfulness to all generations.

Psalm 100