O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.  

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those he redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.
 
Some were sick through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities endured affliction; they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death.  

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress; he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from destruction.  

Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.  

And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices, and tell of his deeds with songs of joy.

How many times have I cried out to my Lord in times of trouble? A lot!!! Times of big trouble. . .like the days and weeks and months after my son committed suicide, when friends and loved ones were telling me that I was not dealing well with my grief. It was a time when I foolishly told people that if I could get through my son's death I could get through anything. Only after months of struggle did I realize that I could not get through it. . .not on my own. It was the grace of a compassionate and merciful God that eventually healed me: physically. . .emotionally. . .spiritually.

Then there are the daily troubles of my life. Fear of failure. Of letting people down. Disappointing or hurting others. Anxiety over not getting everything done. And choosing the wrong priorities in my daily ministry, and the stress of living in a world of constant change and uncertainty, never sure of what and how tomorrow may affect my life.

It is then that I remind myself that throughout my times of trouble. . .my big troubles and my daily troubles. . .there is one thing that remains unchanging: the steadfast love of God. It is then that I remind myself to give thanks to my God for his enduring presence in my life, especially during the times of trouble and distress.