Thankful for Every Day

“This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 NASB

Lyubov Shaporina felt hopeless. It was 1937, and she was 58 years old. Looking at life in the Soviet Union, she had many reasons to despair. People were being arrested every day, often without a cause. Others simply “disappeared” without a trace. People throughout the land were overcome with fear and despair.

One day in 1937, reflecting this hopelessness, Shaporina wrote in her diary, “I wake up in the morning and automatically think: thank God I wasn’t arrested last night.” It was an attitude filled with uncertainty. She felt “lucky,” but, in reality, she concluded, “I simply don’t care.”

Today, millions of people around the world live in terror. Many do not care. Others are oppressed by poverty or sickness. Thousands are persecuted for their faith. Yet many people (including many Christians) seem to spend more time complaining than being thankful. Some find it easier to give in to discouragement and worry than to praise God.

The Bible reminds us that every day is a day that God has made. No matter what we face, we can “rejoice and be glad.” We can follow Paul’s instruction that, “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We can remember to give “thanks always for all things unto God” (Ephesians 5:20).

Right now, don’t give in to despair or discouragement. Don’t be afraid about anything going on in the world. Lift up your heart and start thanking God for all that He has done for you. If you have burdens, commit them to Him, and ask Him to take them away. Ask Him to lift your worries and fears. Trust Him to work everything together for good.

Prayer: Father, thank You for life. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for my sins. Thank You for the gifts You have given me. I am so grateful. I praise and worship You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.