Elder Robert D. Hales on being grateful even in trials

Elder Robert D. Hales (August 24, 1932-October 1, 2017) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"Gratitude is a divine principle:

"'Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.' (D&C 59:7.)

"This scripture means that we express thankfulness for what happens, not only for the good things in life but also for the opposition and challenges of life that add to our experience and faith. We put our lives in His hands, realizing that all that transpires will be for our experience.

"When in prayer we say, 'Thy will be done,' we are really expressing faith and gratitude and acknowledging that we will accept whatever happens in our lives.

"That we may feel true gratitude for the goodness of God for all the blessings that have been given to us and express those feelings of thankfulness in prayer to our Heavenly Father is my prayer."

- Robert D. Hales, "Gratitude for the Goodness of God," General Conference, April 1992
Click here to read or listen to the full article

What do we really mean when we thank God "in all things"? Elder Hales suggests that it means we thank Him for the trials and difficulties as well as the blessings, knowing and trusting that He is providing those things in our lives for our good:

That's a remarkable attitude to develop, the depth of faith and confidence that allows us to truly trust in Him in all things. Our tendency, through our limited, short-sighted understanding, is to forget that God's hand is in all things.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6

That's a powerful lesson to remember!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)