“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you... If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you... because they do not know Him who sent Me." John 15:18-21

Only by His wonderful grace can we see from His perspective, rejoice always, and continually give thanks. Only by His life in us can we walk in humility and live together in the victory of His cross. Only by His Spirit in us can we obey His Word and follow His ways. Therefore we can thank Him -- not only for the sunny days and happy moments -- but even more for those things that show us our need of Him and help us draw closer:

- conviction of sin which exposes our need for His salvation
- weaknesses that show our need for His strength
- difficulties that can keep us close to Jesus
- hardships that keep us hidden in Him each moment
- earthly disappointments that set our hearts on eternity

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16