I Will Praise Anyway

"Be joyful always; praise continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Today was a day of things just not working.  We all have those days.  Things just do not go as you plan or as you think they should.  We were headed to the park with the kids to play some tennis and got a call that my sister's dog had run away and they needed help to find her.  The dog was not wearing a collar, does not like males (so hubby and brother-in-law couldn't do too much) and pretty close to a busy street.  So we go and help locate the runaway dog.  Then a little while later, my husband helped my dad at his shop only to find out a very important and expensive piece of equipment is not working and there is nothing they can do to fix it.  Then we get home and go to fire up the grill for dinner and our gas grill will not lite.  Nothing seemed to be working right today. 

It's easy to praise God in the good times. When things are good and plans go the way we want, it is easy to praise.  But when things are not going good or bad things happen, we can get angry.  It can be easy to simply "forget God."  But let me ask you this question.  Does God "forget us" when things do not go as He planned?  Of course not!  He is right there by our side, gently whispering to us and trying to help us.   

The Bible tells us to give thanks in all circumstances.  It does not say only give thanks when the bills are paid, the kids are behaving, the husband is romantic, the house is clean and all is well in your little world.  No, that is surely not what the Bible says!  One of my many favorite Bible verses (and the one posted in several places in my home because I too often need the reminder) is Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know I am God."  When things are not going the way you hoped and planned, don't forget God, simply be still and let Him be God.