We all have lots to be discouraged about these days, but as Christians we have much to praise God for, as well. We each have a choice in how we let current events affect our attitude.

We can spend our time worrying and complaining, or trust that God has everything in hand and give Him praise for all His blessings, anyway. This is His will, as the Scriptures tell us.

 in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NET

It is tempting to think that these words were meant for the early church and that it must have been easier for the believers living at that time. They didn’t have to deal with what we do, after all.

There are at least two things wrong with that idea. First of all, our omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient God who inspired the Gospel writers knew then, as He knows now, exactly what each one of us is going through today. Secondly, the early Christians faced oppression, persecution, and difficulties we cannot even imagine. And God, through the Apostle Paul in this instance, told them to give thanks, anyway.

So, for us today, no matter how discouraged we may get, our mission is to trust God, anyway.

Give thanks, anyway.

Do the next right thing, anyway.

Any Way We Can.