When It’s Hard To Be Grateful
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
As we close out another year, we are often encouraged to look back on the last 12 months and think about all we have for which to be thankful. But if we’re being honest, sometimes it can be difficult to be thankful when our circumstances aren’t ideal. After all, this has been a pretty tough year for a lot of us.
Maybe you find yourself asking, “How can I give thanks in the midst of thankless times?” It may not be a question you’re willing to ask publicly, but privately it is something you struggle with and ask yourself on the inside. It’s easy to give thanks when things are going well, but it’s different when things aren’t going well. Paul put it this way in our text: when we face challenges, we should offer thanks always, continually, and in all circumstances. Not simply and solely for what we have, or for what God has done, but just for who God is. The psalmist put it this way, “I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
In order to praise continually like this and rejoice always, it takes the believer having a certain attitude about God. God commands us to give thanks always, at all times, because life will teach you that circumstances can always be different and change in a heartbeat. Therefore, our joy, our contentment, and our gratitude shouldn’t be tied to our circumstances. Instead, our thankfulness should come solely from the Lord so that our rejoicing will never cease and our attitude won’t shift.
As you look back on this year, even if it’s difficult at first to pinpoint what you have to be thankful for, take the time to really reflect on the blessings God has given you. No matter how big or small, God is working in the midst of so much hardship. May we not miss out on the opportunity to thank Him for His faithfulness, even when it might not be as obvious at first look.
As we close out another year, we are often encouraged to look back on the last 12 months and think about all we have for which to be thankful. But if we’re being honest, sometimes it can be difficult to be thankful when our circumstances aren’t ideal. After all, this has been a pretty tough year for a lot of us.
Maybe you find yourself asking, “How can I give thanks in the midst of thankless times?” It may not be a question you’re willing to ask publicly, but privately it is something you struggle with and ask yourself on the inside. It’s easy to give thanks when things are going well, but it’s different when things aren’t going well. Paul put it this way in our text: when we face challenges, we should offer thanks always, continually, and in all circumstances. Not simply and solely for what we have, or for what God has done, but just for who God is. The psalmist put it this way, “I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
In order to praise continually like this and rejoice always, it takes the believer having a certain attitude about God. God commands us to give thanks always, at all times, because life will teach you that circumstances can always be different and change in a heartbeat. Therefore, our joy, our contentment, and our gratitude shouldn’t be tied to our circumstances. Instead, our thankfulness should come solely from the Lord so that our rejoicing will never cease and our attitude won’t shift.
As you look back on this year, even if it’s difficult at first to pinpoint what you have to be thankful for, take the time to really reflect on the blessings God has given you. No matter how big or small, God is working in the midst of so much hardship. May we not miss out on the opportunity to thank Him for His faithfulness, even when it might not be as obvious at first look.
Subscribe Now for Free Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Let it GoA Prayer for RestorationThe Power of Self-ForgivenessEmbracing FreedomFrom Transgression to RedemptionRelease and FreedomWisdom in ReflectionBlessed Assurance in ForgivenessEmbracing Divine RestTrusting in the WaitingEmbracing Peace in Unresolved MomentsMoving Forward Without ClosureA New Chapter AwaitsRefocusing for a New ChapterThe Danger of Looking BackLet God Be Your DefenseGod's Victory, Not OursThe Author of Your New ChapterThe Faithful Promise KeeperA Promise UnveiledThe Urgency of ObedienceThe University of AdversityThriving in AdversityForging the Future YouTransformative Power of AdversityThe Role of ResilienceThe Gift of EmpathyChanging PerspectiveGod's Purpose in Your AdversityThe Anchoring Power of TrustConsistent in Prayer, Unwavering in Praise
February
Navigating Life's JourneyLessons from the Prodigal SonStaying on TrackA Lesson in PatienceTrusting in God's TimingAvoiding the DriftChoosing Your Company WiselyThe Impact of Your Inner CircleThe Call to Responsible StewardshipFrom Rock Bottom to RedemptionGetting My Life Back On TrackWholeness Beyond Rock BottomWaking Up to ResponsibilityFacing the FactsOnly God Can Make Life Worth Living You Can Do ItYour Transformation MattersBreaking Free from ShameGod's Unwavering CareThe Good ShepherdThe Shepherd Who ProvidesFinding Refuge in God's ProtectionGod's Omnipotent ProtectionGod's Unseen ProtectionOverflowing BlessingsA Unique LoveA Divine ExchangeThe Power in His Precious BloodFrom Trials to Praise
March
Cleansing Body, Mind, and SpiritDetoxifying the MindDetoxifying for Spiritual EmpowermentThe Promise of God's PresenceWalking Purely Under God's ProtectionEmbracing God's Promise of RedemptionEmbracing God's Promise of ReconciliationThe Blessing of God's Adoption and ProvisionGod Desires RelationshipGod's Unconditional LoveGod's Gift of GraceNot OptionalPromises for the ChosenVIP Status in the KingdomThe Necessity of Cleansing for Kingdom CitizensThe Power WithinFinding Peace Beyond the PastHealing WoundsCleansing the TempleUnpacking the Trauma WithinHealing from WithinThe Promise of HealingBeyond the MindFinding Safety in Your BodyThe Power of a WishThe Ultimate WishBeyond Religious PerformanceBeyond Personal AchievementTrue Gain in Knowing ChristKnowing Christ DeeplyThe Power of His Resurrection
No Comments