"Give thanks with a grateful heart,
 Give thanks to the Holy One,
 Give thanks because He has given Jesus Christ His Son."

These are the opening words of a song we sing in our Fellowship. They are the How, the Who and the Why of our thanksgiving. It doesn't depend on our feelings at the moment or on the circumstance in which we find ourselves.  The reason is that our Heavenly Father has given His only begotten Son to pay our sin debt that we may be redeemed and reconciled to Himself.

Therefore the Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 5:20, "At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father."

Yes, even in the hard times! And at the times when the Lord needs to discipline. Why? Follow me here as we look at several Scriptures.
"My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, Nor faint when you are reproved by Him; For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines And He scourges every son whom He receives." Hebrews 12:5-6 IT IS BECAUSE HE LOVES US!
".He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness."
"All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." Vs. 10-11

James 1:2-4 (Verses we all know and this is from The Living Bible), "Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow.
So let it grow, and don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete."

Philippians 4:6-7 (These verses we also know), "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

With assurance, the Apostle Paul tells us the wonderful truth, "And we know that God causes ALL things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
Romans8:28
What an awesome promise!
(I know that many of you have noted in your Bibles next to this verse, 'Tested and Proven'.)

The Psalmist tells us,
"Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the [consistently] righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail). Psalm 55:22 The Amplified Bible Also see 1 Peter 5:7

"And my God shall supply ALL your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 God, the SOURCE; His riches, the SUPPLY; Christ Jesus, the WAY!

So, whether in good times or hard times, "In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus, concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Think of it! The Lord loves us so much that He is working in each of our lives that we may share His holiness! With grateful hearts let's thank Him, praise Him and give Him all the honor that is due Him! Amen