God's word commands us to rejoice and give thanks for all things.
God uses painful experiences to draw us away from trusting our feelings or ourselves. He patiently teaches us to rely upon Him and His word. We will begin to learn to be thankful for those hard places, and His peace replaced my fears.
God's word urges us to maintain a strong prayer life. We also know that He expects us to pray without ceasing. Jesus did. He is our example. To be honest, some days it is easier to pray with a thankful heart. At other times, it is just plain hard work. And yet, He commands us to pray. This takes faith.
Ephesians 5:15-20
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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