Thankfulness During Difficulties

How do we respond when difficulties come our way? When we stub our toe? When we lose our job? When we lose health?

We are told in Philippians to not be anxious about anything, but to make our requests known to God. (Philippians 4:6) And again, in Philippians 4:4, to rejoice in the Lord always. Does this mean even when lose not only our livelihood but a loved one? Yes, indeed. Let us consider Job’s response: The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21)


Why should we be thankful for everything? Let’s consider:
One of the most thankful biblical characters was David.
How was David able to be thankful in the midst of his difficulties? In Psalm 40, David describes himself as sinking into a horrible pit — but was rescued.
We can all relate to this. We were all guilty of sin and then God saved and rescued us, who were without hope. While we were yet sinners, God saved us (Romans 5:8). After our earthly life, we can be where there is no Covid-19, no Satan, no temptation. See also James 1:2-4 and Paul’s example in Romans 8:31-39.

How can we be thankful for all things? God gifts us an answer to this question in His Word.
The strength God gives us as Christians empowers us to be thankful in any circumstance (Philippians 4:1). Galatians 2:20 tells us that it is Christ who lives in us. How grateful to God we can be for that embodiment!
There may be reasons unknown to us – only known to God – that we may suffer and experience difficulties. But thanks be to God who has given us the victory over suffering here in this earthly life, over tragedies, illnesses, and finally — death. We can say, “Thank you, God, for giving me the blessings and the difficulties.” This is temporary – we were never intended to be here forever.

Life is hard with God. But without Him, it can be insurmountable. We’d love to study with you, pray with you, and help you how we can.