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“Thankful? What do I have to be thankful for? Look at my life. God obviously doesn’t care about me. Where was He when I needed Him most?”

I felt my friend’s pain and had even walked in her shoes.

During and after a recent back surgery, I had a reaction to medication and became very ill. I wondered if I would even make it. Dehydration set in, and I could barely function. To make things worse, the hospital staff seemed oblivious to my condition.

I tried to pray. To trust. To be thankful. But I felt as if God had abandoned me. I cried out, “God, where are you?”

It was truly one of the darkest times in my life. But as I looked back after I came home, I knew without a doubt that God was with me the entire time. He never left me, just as He promised. He sent my daughter to be with me day and night to help care for me during eight days in the hospital. He loved me and provided for me through her. I also found out later how many people had been praying for me. When the reality of that painful situation set in, the tears poured as my heart overflowed with thankfulness.

Then I thought of so many other situations where God showed Himself strong on my behalf. Times when He delivered me. Protected me. Provided for me. Blessed me beyond measure.

The Bible tells us to rejoice, to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all circumstances. When our trust is in the Lord, we can be confident that He will take care of us, and we can be thankful during and despite whatever circumstances we face.

If you’re in a tough spot, rejoice, pray, and be thankful. Offer to God a sacrifice of praise and watch Him come to your rescue.