If you are a follower of Jesus, it is likely that right now you are experiencing a trial of some kind. Jesus and Paul said that it would be this way. It could be various trials, sickness, fatigue, feelings of despair or hopelessness, grieving for the loss of a loved one, persecution, the effects of someone else's sin or maybe even your own. These things happen in this world, a lot. We know that the Bible says that all of these things happen for our own good, but isn't it such a struggle to believe that right in the middle of the trial? I was feeling that way this morning. I came to God's Word knowing that I needed Him, but thinking that some things will always feel hard. I was discouraged. I started reading in Psalms and came to Chapter 50. God starts telling His people about their sacrifices. Their sacrifices were always before Him, yet he says that He does not accept their offerings. It seems the reason He gives is that His people thought they were giving something to God that He needed. He says in verse 13 "Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?" The answer is obviously no. He then says something in verses 14 and 15 that is absolutely astounding, simple, and encouraging all at the same time.

14"Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and perform your vows to the Most High,
15 and call upon me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and You shall
glorify Me."

How can giving thanks be a sacrifice? Thanksgiving becomes a sacrifice when right in the middle of a discouraging trial we bow our heads and say "thank you Father for ____________." When we trust God's word above our own feelings and thank Him for life's difficulties we offer an acceptable sacrifice to God. God's response to this is so gracious. Did you see the simple plan that God gives us to follow in verse 15?

1. Call upon Him: We trust Him, thank Him, Remember His Promises
2. I will deliver you: God promises to come through for us when we trust Him in Faith.
3. You Shall Glorify Me: Somehow, someway God gets glory when we trust Him enough to thank Him for our trials.

So, there you go. I know it is hard, but go ahead and thank God specifically for whatever trial you are going through right now. He will bring good from it. He is making each of us more like Jesus everyday. He said so.

Travis