Gratitude can transform even the most challenging moments. But sometimes finding gratitude and giving thanks is more difficult than one might think.
Consider how gratitude can shift perspective. Picture a large venue packed to capacity for a conference designed to encourage women in their walk with Jesus. Just before the program begins, a rather frail young woman quietly slips in, shyly taking a seat near the back of the room.
She appeared alone and hesitantly engaged in small talk at her table, offering only a quiet ‘hello’ and a faint smile. She seemed to want to remain unnoticed. Her thin features and tired eyes suggested a life of hardship. The welcome session began, and she wondered privately whether she should have just stayed home.
When the group rose for the first worship set, she slowly stood. She began, timidly at first, quietly mouthing the words, her eyes downcast. As the room filled with praise, something shifted in her. She gradually lifted her gaze, singing more confidently. The weight of her sadness seemed to lift, and her face began to glow as she raised her hands and joined in the worship.
Finding Gratitude
This change is the power of gratitude at work, brought to the surface through worship. When the young woman focused on God, gratitude grew in her heart, transforming her perspective. Embracing worship brought thankfulness and lightened her spirit.
Thanksgiving reminds us that behind every face at our tables—both joyful and struggling—is a story, and every story includes a need for gratitude. Like the conference room, this season gathers people from all walks of life: family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. God sees each one and cares deeply about their needs.
There are seasons of life that automatically bring intense feelings of thankfulness. It might be a big event, such as a wedding, the birth of a baby, a graduation, a promotion, or an answered prayer. It might be the simple beauty of God’s creation, a card or call from a friend, or a tight hug from someone you love.
But some days it’s more difficult. We find ourselves digging deep into our souls to find gratitude during a season filled with grief, strife, pain, or disappointment.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Gratitude is more than an emotion; it’s an intentional response to God’s goodness. It isn’t based on circumstances but flows from recognizing God’s unchanging nature and love for us. Thanksgiving is how we express that gratitude outwardly—not necessarily giving thanks for all things, but in all things—a vital distinction for Christians.
Choosing gratitude as Paul instructs shifts our focus from our difficulties to God’s goodness, bringing transformation like the woman at the conference experienced. It is much harder to be thankful in the face of grief, disappointment, or unanswered prayers than when life is good. Still, the directive is clear: “Give thanks in all circumstances.”
It’s not that we are asked to be thankful for a difficult season of life, but that we have a grateful heart, thankful to God for life and other blessings, despite our present situation. Thankfulness to God aligns us with His purpose. Followers of Christ find gratitude in all circumstances because we know we can trust the heart of God, regardless of the trials of the day.
Giving Thanks
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, remember we aren’t simply giving thanks for some things, but to Someone. That someone is Jesus Christ. He loved us enough to take on the punishment for our sins, so we can have a relationship with Him and live with Him forever. How can we not be thankful for that amazing love? I encourage you to spend special time with Him this Thanksgiving week. Set aside private time to thank God for His blessings; connect with the Giver of all good things.
Here are a few practical ways to cultivate gratitude, even when it’s difficult:
– Keep a gratitude journal, writing down three things each day for which you are thankful—even small things.
– Pray Scripture back to God, especially verses of thanksgiving and praise.
– Take time to encourage someone else who may be struggling this season.
– Share a moment of thanksgiving with those at your table, inviting everyone to name something they are grateful for.
My prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your constant presence and unfailing love. Teach us to give thanks in every circumstance, not because life is always easy, but because You are always good. Help us to see Your blessings, even in difficult seasons, and to share Your love with those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Charlene Miller
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#charlenemillerblogs