𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀: 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟮 - 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀
We’ve all had days—or even seasons—when life feels heavy. Maybe it’s financial struggles, the loss of a loved one, or a situation that just doesn’t make sense. During those moments, gratitude might feel like the last thing on our minds. After all, who wants to say “thank you” in the middle of heartbreak or frustration? Yet, the Bible challenges us to do just that, not because life is always good, but because God is.
𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 & 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
James 1:2-4 - "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
“Count it all joy?” That might sound impossible when you’re walking through tough times. But James isn’t asking us to ignore pain or pretend everything’s fine. Instead, he’s inviting us to look beyond the hardship and recognize that God is still at work. Trials test and strengthen our faith, much like fire refines gold. Gratitude in hard times isn’t about denying reality—it’s about trusting God’s purpose in the midst of it.
The Bible is filled with examples of people who gave thanks during trials. Take Paul and Silas, for instance, in Acts 16:25. Beaten and thrown into prison, they weren’t sulking or questioning God. Instead, they were singing hymns and praying! Why? Because they trusted that even in their darkest hour, God was still worthy of praise. Their gratitude wasn’t based on their circumstances but on their unshakable faith in God’s character.
We may not always see the “why” behind our struggles, but gratitude helps us focus on the “Who.” It reminds us that God is still good, still present, and still working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). Gratitude is like a lifeline—it anchors us to God when the waves of life feel overwhelming.
And yes, it’s okay to laugh at yourself along the way. When my car broke down last year on the way to church, I was anything but grateful at first. But by the time I found myself sitting on the side of the road with a cup of gas station coffee, I realized I had a choice: to let frustration win or to thank God for keeping me safe. Spoiler alert: the coffee wasn’t great, but my attitude changed!
If you’re in a tough season, try this: write a prayer of gratitude specifically for the hard things in your life. It doesn’t have to be long or polished. Just be honest with God about your struggles, and thank Him for what He’s teaching you through them. It’s not about pretending everything’s fine—it’s about choosing faith over fear.
Let's finish this devotional with a prayer:
“Lord, it’s hard to be thankful when life feels overwhelming, but we trust You. Thank You for being with us in the valleys and for using even our struggles to shape us into who You’ve called us to be. Help us to see Your hand at work and to find moments of gratitude, even when life is hard. Amen.”