Give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
I knew I wanted to do a hymn of thanksgiving for the weekend before the holiday. I had a couple of them in mind, but hadn't decided on just which one yet. Then tragedy struck. Last Monday night while my daughter and I were at dinner, she received a call with the news that a former boyfriend had done the unthinkable...he took his own life. To say the least, this has been a very difficult week. Lots of tears, lots questions, little sleep and terrible sadness. Please lift this young man's family and loved ones up in prayer. I cannot even imagine the pain they are enduring.
This hymn reminds me that we are supposed to give thanks in all of life's circumstances....even when it is difficult and we are hurting. I am very THANKFUL for the hope I have in Jesus!
Thanks to God
Thanks to God for my Redeemer,
Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a memory,
Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,
Thanks for dark and stormy fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten,
Thanks for peace within my soul!
Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered,
Thanks for what Thou dost deny!
Thanks for storms that I have weathered,
Thanks for all Thou dost supply!
Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure,
Thanks for comfort in despair!
Thanks for grace that none can measure,
Thanks for love beyond compare!
Thanks for roses by the wayside,
Thanks for thorns their stems contain!
Thanks for home and thanks for fireside,
Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!
Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow,
Thanks for heav’nly peace with Thee!
Thanks for hope in the tomorrow,
Thanks through all eternity!
