Backwards

Here's this week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc:

It’s much easier to “give thanks in troubled times” after we’ve endured and passed through the troubled times. This week’s reading from Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 is a great example of praising God in troubled times . . . but doing it after the troubled times are over.

When things are rotten, I don’t feel like giving thanks. I feel, instead, like shouting out, “What are you thinking, God? Why in the world would you expect thanks for THIS?”

And I also notice how selfish I am. While I’m sputtering to God about something terrible happening to me, I rarely have any kind of compassion for all whom God loves. (Yes – everybody!)

I think going forward, I can look to God in hope during the troubled times. I can pray for and work for justice to all whom God loves.

And as I experience peace and justice in my life and in the whole world, I can give thanks to God for God’s steadfast love.

That’s all I’ve got – whether or not it is somewhat backwards.

What are your thoughts?