Thank You for the hard times.

[LifeHiscost]

Not in any way meant to discredit the thanks given for the good times the Lord leads us to, especially knowing my heart seems to respond much more enthusiastically with more thanks when things happen the way in which I want them.

But on the other hand, I wouldn't be in any of the pickles I manage to get myself in if the Lord had just chosen to bring me into existence in a part of His universe where there were no temptations to wander.

Maybe there is a reality which the most of us find difficult to grasp, especially as we recognize we weren't created without a plan of His. And that would be if we can go through the worst this world has to offer and still lift up our hands to Him in gratitude and worship.

Perhaps all the while suffering anguish most others don't understand, we can look forward to a reward that will last for eternity, all the while knowing that the reward will bring honor and glory to Him Who makes no mistakes, including His personal creation of we individuals raised in a world of incomprehensible sorrow known best by Him.

"...and with them Heman and Jeduthun and the rest who were chosen, who were designated by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because His mercy endures forever;"

1 Chronicles 16:41 NKJV

"And you will be hated by all for My name's sake, but he who perseveres and endures to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:22 AMP

"If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward." 1 Cor 3:14 NKJV

"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" James 1:12 NKJV

"For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully." 1 Peter 2:19 NKJV

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:4 KJV

"...and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil 4:6 NKJV

"And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends." Zech 13:6 KJV

"Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." 2 Tim 3:12 NKJV

Keep looking up!