On Being Thankful

I Thess 5:18 says, "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Along with many places in the Bible, it says to be thankful all the time, in all circumstances. In theory this makes sense and is consistent with what we know about God and our relationship with him. If he loves us, is all powerful and is trustworthy, then we should always be able to be thankful. In practice, though, sometimes that is easier to do than others. When those times happen, I find it harder to thank him FOR the circumstances. In my humanity, I don't like some of the circumstances in which I find myself. What I never forget, though, is that God walks with us through the difficulties and he will make flowers out of whatever manure I am in right now. Life is messy but God is faithful. Even while I am struggling through a situation, God is trustworthy and for that I can always give thanks.