Giving Thanks in the Midst of Suffering

Happy Thanksgiving!

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.”
Colossians 1:24 (ESV)

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Pierre Teilhard de ChardinSuffering is a part of the human condition. It comes unbidden to all of us, sometimes in the most inconvenient of times, sometimes in the most painful of circumstances, but always in the most unwelcome of experiences, inviting us to descend into the dark places of the soul. French Jesuit Pierre Teilhard de Chardin wrote of the difference between what he called the “divinization of activity” and the “divinization of passivity.” He posited that, while we absolutely should offer our activities, achievements and accomplishments to God, the greater spiritual power can be found in offering to God our passivities, or sufferings–those uncontrollable things that happen to us or are done to us.

By giving thanks in the midst of suffering, indeed in all circumstances, we can find ourselves more keenly aware of the presence of God and union with God as we participate in the sufferings of Christ. More to it, giving thanks in the midst of suffering helps us to focus outwardly on God’s mission, rather than inwardly on our pain. Giving thanks is a powerful posture and witness to the world of the triumph of the cross.

May you and yours have a most blessed Thanksgiving!

The Lord be with you,
James R. Hart, President

Annual Report Now Available

We at IWS are so thankful for the Lord’s bountiful blessings during this past year, and for your support of our crucial mission of worship renewal. Please take a moment to read the 2015 Annual Report. I think you will find it to be an enjoyable and interesting read. Join us in thanking all who have made this year an unprecedented success! Please forward this link to interested friends and potential students.

About the author

Dr. James R. Hart served as President of the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies from 2007-2024. Dr. Hart was a member of the first IWS doctoral class, the Alpha class, and served as Dean of Students during his matriculation. After graduating from IWS, Dr. Webber appointed him as the Dean of Administration, and then Provost in 2006. In June of 2007, he was inaugurated as the second president of IWS. Dr. Hart holds a B.M. in Sacred Music from Oral Roberts University, an M.M. in Trumpet Performance from the University of Tulsa, and a D.W.S. from the Institute for Worship Studies. He was critical to the formation of IWS in Florida and has held administrative responsibilities since its inception in 1999. He is a professional trumpeter, choral director, and worship leader, and a published composer/arranger, songwriter, and author. He has been involved in worship leadership in various contexts around the globe for over 40 years and has taught in the areas of worship, theology, and music in various conferences, colleges, and seminaries. Dr. Hart and his wife, Carol, have three daughters and three grandchildren.

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