Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4 ESV)
Troubles
It is easier to be grateful for pleasant, comfortable, and tasty things. But if we trust that God is always at work in our lives doing what HE knows is best for us, we should also somehow thank God for our troubles.
Because God teaches us through them. God causes growth through them. God increases our faith through them. God blesses us through them.
Our natural response is to complain about troubles, problems, and trials. But if the lens of our faith and trust can effect our sight, it is possible for us to be content even in troubles, understanding even in troubles, joyful even in troubles, thankful even in troubles.
It is not easy.
And perhaps we can best begin this change by thanking God in small troubles, and practice.
We receive a speeding ticket, and we thank God for teaching us to be safer when driving. We get sick, and we thank God for teaching us to take better care of our bodies, His temples. We lose a job, and we thank God for teaching us to be better stewards through frugality. We feel the effects of old age, and we thank God that heaven comes soon.
Gratefulness is a choice.
Choose to be thankful even in troubles.