Thankful for Afflictions?

I Thess.5:18  " In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

This has been the reference verse that I use with my signature for many years. As a young wife and mother I had some really tough struggles with fear and depression. I was hospitalized two times. None of the world's cures worked for me. Not until I got hold of the truth of God's Word did I get better. And one of those truths was that I was to give thanks for everything that God allowed in my life. It didn't matter if I liked it or if it was hard. God allowed even my problems with fear and depression.  David said in Ps.119:71  "It is good that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes." Having these problems caused me to run to the Lord and the Bible. That led to a saved husband who  became a preacher. Which led to  a wonderful life as a pastor's wife for 33 years.  I just have to say it again. THANK YOU LORD!