A Strange Reason to Praise

I often envied church members who would testify of the joys they experienced as they spend much time in morning devotions.

I would sit in church and quietly ask God for that type of experience, telling myself it was good to covet good things. My situation was that I had a one-hour commute to work and had to be there by 7:00 a.m. every day.

I usually got up at 4:30 a.m. To have a devotional time and get prepared to leave home at 5:45 a.m. was a hustle. Something would have to suffer. But I have learned that we must be careful what we pray for because when we ask, God keeps His promises, and no good gift does He withhold. I worked at my island’s offshore petroleum company and had assumed this would be my place of employment until retirement. But in August 2018, the country was shocked by some devastating news: this company, which had been around for more than sixty years, was going to retrench all its workers because it had become a financial strain on the government. This was not the news anyone expected to hear. This would be terrible financially, emotionally, and economically.

Thousands of families would be affected.

What good could come out of this? I found myself jobless with two young-adult sons who were still studying and pursuing expensive career paths.

But would you believe that God gave me a reason to give thanks in the situation? Yes, I was now able to spend quality time in morning devotions, and this time was so refreshing. The prayer ministry department of our church had weekly Wednesday morning services that I was able to attend. I developed a closer relationship with God, of whom I could never get enough. We women know that life can become difficult at times. When tough times come, we may not feel like giving thanks.

But if we take a good look, we will find a reason to give thanks.

Sisters, let’s purpose that even in the midst of tears, we will have an attitude of gratitude. We can give thanks in everything because this is what God desires of us. When things go right, praise because you feel like it; when things go wrong, praise until you feel like it.

Jill Springer-Cato