Reasons to Give Thanks Amid Hardship

Giving thanks comes easily from our lips when things are going well. On the other hand, in difficult times it rarely crosses our minds to give thanks. Because in good times, it is easy for us to see that God is so good. On the other hand, in difficult times, we begin to wonder whether God is still with us. 

Various reasons can make gratitude feel difficult. father might say, “How can I be thankful when my goods still are not selling?” Or, “How can I give thanks when work is so difficult right now?”  A mother might say, “How can I be thankful if staple food prices are high, and my money for household expenses is shrinking?” 

If giving thanks feels difficult, it is because we need to go deeper in understanding gratitude itself.

Giving Thanks in Every Circumstance

Gratitude is not merely a fleeting emotion expressed when we feel helped, when we feel happy, or when good fortune comes our way. More than that, we should also be able to give thanks in ordinary times or even in less favorable circumstances. Why? Because gratitude is our faith acknowledgment to God, whatever our circumstances may be.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is what God wills for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

In this letter, Paul says, “give thanks in all circumstances.” Why? Because by giving thanks, we keep remembering the power and work of God, even in bad circumstances. So it is only fitting that we give thanks, whether blessings keep coming or troubles continually strike.

We already understand why giving thanks in difficult times is important. Now, we will explore the benefits of giving thanks in difficult times.

1. Gratitude Helps Us Focus on God

A sense of disappointment often robs us of gratitude. Over the past year you may have been disappointed because of losing a business opportunity, a job, someone you love.

But Jesus gives a different example.

Jesus replied, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked upward and said, "Father, I thank You because You have heard Me. – John 11:40-41

Jesus was a close friend of Lazarus. That is why Lazarus's death was painful for Him. Yet He did not allow sorrow to rule over Him. He understood that Lazarus's death was an opportunity to declare God's power. He gave thanks, glorified God, and in the end raised Lazarus from the dead.

When you are at your lowest point, remember to give thanks. We acknowledge the pain, ask for God's power to restore every situation, and surrender full control to Him. In other words, gratitude shifts our focus from ourselves to God.

2. Gratitude Gives Strength

Difficult circumstances can weaken our faith. Many problems, such as a failed business, losing a job, illness, are certainly so heavy that we begin to doubt God's power. Especially when our prayers still seem unanswered.

Does God not hear? Of course He hears. But remember that God has His own plan . He will help us, in His perfect time. Then how do we keep trusting in His power? By giving thanks.

Blessed be the LORD, for He has heard the voice of my supplications. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him. I am helped, therefore my heart rejoices, and with my song I give thanks to Him. – Psalm 28:6-7

When you begin to grow weak because everything feels wrong, do not forget to give thanks. We will see how great our need for God is. God has everything; we desperately need God.

3. Gratitude Builds Resilience

Resilience here means our ability to endure similar things that may happen in the future. We will be disappointed again, and experience loss again. Yet by giving thanks, we are able to build greater trust in God. The next time we face these things, we are more prepared and even stronger than before.

Jesus from childhood grew up relying on the strength and goodness of His Father. So He was able to give thanks in every difficult situation, even at the height of extraordinary suffering, during the journey to the cross.

And not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, and perseverance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. – Romans 5: 3-4

Resilience is not built in a day but through a series of events. The more you continue giving thanks in every circumstance, the easier it becomes to face similar situations that may happen again in the future.

Giving Thanks at All Times

Now we know several reasons to always give thanks. Gratitude directs our focus to God, strengthens us, and builds resilience in facing problems. In short, continuing to give thanks increases and strengthens our faith.

By giving thanks at all times, we are also able to face every situation. We are also able to see from God's perspective, which certainly helps us in difficult times. So, let us begin to give thanks today. -  Related Articles:

• Giving Thanks in the Midst of Rain
• A Wife's Gratitude Saves Her Husband
• Finding It Hard to Be Thankful? Train Your Mindset This Way!
• 3 Reasons Being Thankful for These Small Things Can Change Your Life. Come Read!
• Stay Calm, Stay Cool: Staying Peaceful in the Midst of Problems

-