Gratitude Through Trials

Key Verse:

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (I Thessalonians 5:18)

Biblical gratitude is the commitment to be thankful at all times and in every season. In theory this makes sense, but in practice it’s not easy. And anyone who’s walked through trials will attest to this fact.

The truth is expressing gratitude in the painful, challenging seasons of life is not only difficult, but also seemingly impossible. Yet the Bible is clear that gratitude is always God’s will for us. So, what do we do with this charge? How can we practically and authentically connect to gratitude when life is hard and hurtful? The good news is there actually is a way, and it’s found in Scripture. You see, it’s in God’s Word where we find practical solutions, perspective, and a pathway forward to gratitude in every season.

The WilI to Gratitude

I love the book of Psalms for many reasons. But primarily because the songs it contains tell stories of real people with real problems relating to a really good God. One of the dominant themes in this book is gratitude, with many of the psalms including repetitive exhortations to give thanks. However, the ones including deliberate “I will” statements are the ones that speak the loudest to me.

• I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness… (Psalm 7:17 ESV)
• I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart… (Psalm 9:1 ESV, also Psalm 111:1)
• I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples. (Psalm 57:9)
• With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord… (Psalm 109:30)

Clearly revealed in the psalmist’s words is the fact that he is willing by way of personal proclamation to give thanks. It is critical to understand that he is not simply saying it is good to give thanks, which it is, or that everyone should give thanks, which they should. Instead, he’s emphatically declaring, I will give thanks. And this serves as a powerful reminder for us today, as we too must be prepared in advance with personal “I will” statements of our own. In doing so, we are readying ourselves to respond to life’s trials and challenges with intentional gratitude.

The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

The “sacrifice of thanksgiving” mentioned several times in the Old Testament was in reference to offerings presented to God as a sign of gratitude and worship in accordance with the Law. Now however, because of Jesus the Lamb of God as the final sacrifice acceptable to the Father, we are no longer required to offer animals, food, or any other types of sacrifices to God. Instead, we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to Him. (See Romans 12:2.)

In essence, this requires offering everything we are and everything we have to God. And this includes our time, talents, resources, emotions, and our will. This, unfortunately, is where it often gets sticky, as it’s natural to disconnect from gratitude in times of trials. Yet, it’s supernatural to lean into trust, worship and yes, even gratitude in the darkest of times. And if we choose to do this by an act of our will and because of our love, then this becomes a sacrifice of thanksgiving, holy and pleasing to God.

One Woman’s Gratitude

Betty and Hal McNeely live in rural Jonas Ridge, NC. As mountain residents, they have learned to adjust to remote life. However, like most people in Western NC, they were in no way prepared for the devastation resulting from Hurricane Helene this past September.

Following the storm, the McNeelys lost electricity and water. Fortunately, their propane-fueled home generator kept the power on that ran Hal’s oxygen concentrator which he needed for his diseased heart. However, as day after day passed without electrical service being restored, they were fully aware that travel in the mountains following the hurricane was not only dangerous, but also nearly impossible. After a week, their propane tank got closer and closer to empty and this faith-filled couple began praying for a miracle. And I am blessed to report they received one!

Betty’s Story

Hal was running low on propane, and I was worried he would run out. But the Lord who is so very precious reminded me that He took a small lunch and fed 5,000, and He would stretch the amount of propane to meet Hal’s need! It brought tears of gratitude to my heart!

The next afternoon I saw the truck pull up. After the driver had filled the tank, I went out to thank and hug him. I told him he was an answer to prayer. And he told me when he saw Hal’s need, he filled the tank with more than the usual amount of propane. How loving and caring is our God!

In Closing

Trials are a reality of life in this world from which no one is exempt. However, just as real as our trials is our faithful and infinitely good God who is with us in our struggles, and this is the reason for our gratitude. Somehow in His time and in His way, God transforms our trials into stories of triumph bringing honor to His Name. This is exactly what He did for Betty and Hal. And my friend, if you are facing a trial of your own today, you can be assured He will do the same for you.

Next Week’s Post: Gratitude through Worship!

Pray

Holy Father, thank you for always being with us, especially when life is hard and hurts. Thank you for the peace and comfort we receive knowing you are sovereign over our lives. Help us to cling to you, trust you, and depend on you, not only in trials, but always. We are grateful for your love, compassion, and constant care for us. Amen.

Extend grace to others!

If you’ve been encouraged, strengthened, or edified by this week’s post, please consider sharing Grace Notes for You with a friend.

Community Question of the Week

Can you think of a time when you willed yourself to be grateful during personal trials?

Encourage others with your response HERE!