Thank You, Lord

in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 -

Thank you, Lord, for the difficult times - times when the world around me falls apart and nothing goes right; times when you seem far away and I feel so weak and helpless; times of injury and pain, and times of silence and suffering; for these times make me long for heaven, and they draw me back to you.  They remind me to depend on you and you alone, for you are my comfort and my strength. Thank you, Lord, when my faith is tested and I am brought very low; when trouble surrounds me like a flood and I battle doubt and fear all day long; when I have to trust you to do the impossible just because you said you would in your holy Word; and when you try me and test me, and I cannot understand what you are trying to do; for at these times you teach me to trust you more, and the testing of my faith produces endurance, so that I may be a more useful vessel for you. Thank you, Lord, when I draw away from you and neglect your word, and trouble is at my door; when I depend on myself and you bring my work to nothing, when I seek satisfaction apart from you and find no peace; when I refuse you and you hide your sweet face from me, and withdraw your favour; for this is your chastening, and in your chastening, you are saying, "You are mine, and I love you.  None other shall have you." And thank you, Lord, for good times when all seems right and well - for the times of respite and joy and I enjoy sweet communion and extra grace, and trouble seems far away.  Let me not forget to give thanks, and humbly realise that this is your gift of grace, that I may not become complacent and proud.  Let me seek not this gift of peaceful times, for still I am at war; but let me seek the Giver, who alone is my abiding rest.