You're listening to encounter, a daily podcast of sacred and mindful meditations to help you

encounter the divine presence of God throughout your day. Have words of gratitude ever sounded hollow during difficult times?

When someone tried to console you with the phrase, well, it's God's will.

In 1st Thessalonians, chapter 5, 18, is one of those verses we see on coffee mugs but don't really take the time to understand.

We think, the verse says, for us to give thanks for all circumstances,

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus. to give thanks for all circumstances,

for this is the will of God and Christ Jesus for you.

But it says give thanks in all circumstances.

Not to be grateful for hard times, but be grateful in hard times. And there's a difference, isn't there?

Well, the theme of this meditation from First Chronicles chapter 16 is about gratitude.

Being grateful not for bad times but in bad times.

And not for good times, but in good times also.

So to begin your meditation,

just slip into a time and place where you can be still and quiet,

a place where you can be grateful.

You may start by listening and joining in this responsive reading from Psalm chapter 27 and respond Lord God help me be grateful.

Please listen when I pray, have pity, please answer my prayer. And Lord God, help me be grateful.

My heart tells me to pray and I'm eager to see your face so please

don't hide from me. Lord God help me be grateful.

I'm your servant, and you have helped me, so please don't turn from me in anger.

But Lord God, help me be grateful.

You alone keep me safe.

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