Have you noticed how contagious an attitude of gratitude can be? When a friend thanks me for being there for them, I suddenly become more aware of my gratitude for their friendship, too. When a boss expresses appreciation toward an employee, the employee is usually thankful to have a boss who not only notices their efforts but also takes the time to express it. When we make an effort to bless or serve someone and realize their appreciation – the contentment, joy, peace, relief, or happiness it produces – we feel blessed and thankful for the opportunity. Conversely, if we feel our efforts or relationship isn’t appreciated, we can feel deflated, a bit depressed, or downright annoyed. Is it any wonder Scripture tells us to be thankful in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18)?
Being thankful not only affects the people around us, but it also affects our own hearts, especially during difficulties. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). The Apostle Paul reminds us that we should even give prayerful thanks for the tests and trials that come our way.
James takes it a step further: “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4).
The Lord wants us to be prepared for trials and sufferings with a faith-filled, grateful response, one that recognizes He has an ultimate purpose for us, is growing us, and will provide a way through it (1 Peter 5:10, 1 Corinthians 10:13). Paul endured many trials and much suffering, but he firmly believed God was at work, doing something good despite his immediate circumstances: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
I know how difficult it is to be thankful during times of crisis and loss. But if we remain faithful and thankful, we can experience His grace, peace, comfort, and mercy deeply. A mature believer thanks God for the obvious blessings and the disguised blessings – the times when we have no idea how God could possibly bring good out of the circumstances. When we cannot see the good, we must flex our faith and choose to trust the Lord’s goodness. Just as Jesus’ suffering was not in vain, our suffering is never in vain when we trust Him.
It takes courage to thank God in the midst of challenging times, especially in front of others. Even if it comes with tears and trembling knees, it tells the world that you trust God even in this. Even in the dark. Even in the suffering. That’s when gratitude takes courage and your faith shines brightest.
Scripture Reading: Colossians 2:6-7
Personal Application: Try substituting thankfulness when you feel fear, anxiety, self-pity, discontentment, pain, and even loss. If you cannot think of a single thing to be thankful for in your circumstances, thank God that He loves you. Look up His promises in Scripture and start thanking Him for each promise. It will change your heart, and it just might change the people around you. How will an attitude of gratitude change your life today?
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5