Give Thanks!

Good Morning,
Another beautiful day from the Lord. I trust the Lord is working in your lives and that you are striving to give thanks to Him, daily.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says: "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." The "in all circumstances" is probably the hardest part for all Christians. But, let's look at that verse and see what we can learn.
I feed Tucker twice a day with dog food and at lunch with 2 dog biscuits. Quite awhile ago she started to nudge me with her nose as I get her food from the container. At first I thought she was just sniffing me, but eventually I understood she was saying: thanks. She does this with a wagging tail and licking her lips in anticipation of her favorite thing in the world: food!
As I chose the scripture for today, I read verses 16-18 and found more to study, but today is thanksgiving. Is it hard to be thankful in ALL circumstances? I know sometimes it is for me. I find myself saying the words and waiting for my heart to follow. I'm just glad the Lord understands that I want to be thankful and that my words are not empty, just the feeling is possibly delayed.
Sometimes there are circumstances in our lives that are really hard to be thankful for and the Lord knows this. Personally I look at everything as a test to see if I'll be thankful, remain faithful or obedient in the midst of my struggles to remain firm in my faith. When I choose to remain firm, God is honored and my faith is strengthened. The feelings come last, and are far better then they would be at the beginning when emotions are so high.
If we aren't sure of what the Lord's will is for us, this verse tells us one thing. Food for thought.
So, do you get excited and show the Lord that you are thankful, or is it just duty and not joy? Verse 16 tells us to be joyful always.....

Finding thankfulness in Him,
Sandy