Finding Thanks in the Hardest Seasons

There's a profound difference between gratitude that flows easily and gratitude that costs something. Anyone can be thankful when life is going well meaning when the bills are paid, relationships are thriving, and health is strong. But what happens when the bottom falls out? When the diagnosis comes back unfavorable, when the dream dies, when the waiting stretches on far longer than we ever imagined?

That's where gratitude transforms from a pleasant feeling into a powerful declaration.

The Paradox of Grateful Suffering

The apostle Paul understood this paradox better than most. Writing from a Roman prison—chained, isolated, uncertain of his future he penned some of the most joy-filled words in Scripture: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" This wasn't denial or toxic positivity. This was a man who had learned that gratitude doesn't wait for circumstances to improve before it shows up.

Paul discovered something revolutionary: gratitude in hard times isn't about pretending life doesn't hurt. It's about declaring, even through tears, "God, You are still faithful."

In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Notice the phrase "with thanksgiving." Not after the storm passes. Not once the answer comes. Right in the middle of the chaos, gratitude opens the door for God's peace to step in.

Gratitude Shifts Our Focus

When life gets difficult, our natural instinct is to fixate on what we cannot control; the diagnosis, the delay, the disappointment. We rehearse the problem until it becomes larger than life, blocking out everything else. But gratitude performs a gentle redirection. It doesn't ignore what's wrong; it reminds us who's still in charge.

Psalm 46:10 offers this command: "Be still, and know that I am God." This isn't a suggestion for calm days.  It is an anchor for chaotic ones. It's God's way of saying, "You don't have to carry what only I can control."

When everything around us feels shaky, gratitude re-centers us on the One who never changes. It's not just about being thankful for what God has done.  It's about trusting who God is right now, in this very moment.

Peace doesn't come from having control. It comes from having confidence in the One who does.

Seeing Jesus in the Struggle

Loss has a gravitational pull. It draws our attention, consuming our thoughts and energy. We focus on what's missing, what's changed, what slipped through our fingers. But gratitude flips the focus. Instead of being consumed by absence, it helps us notice God's Presence and yes that needs a capital P.

The psalmist writes, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). This verse doesn't promise we won't be broken. It promises we won't be alone in the breaking.

That's the power of gratitude: it doesn't erase the hurt; it invites the Healer. It opens our eyes to see Jesus, not distant or indifferent, but right there in the middle of the pain. In the nurse who prays with you. In the friend who shows up with a meal. In the peace that doesn't make logical sense.

Gratitude helps us recognize God's fingerprints all over our story, even in chapters we wish we could skip.

When Faith Gets Tested, Gratitude Grows

James 1:2-3 contains one of Scripture's most challenging invitations: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

"Pure joy" doesn't mean fake happiness or forced smiles. It means holy perspective. Looking at our trial through the lens of what God is doing in us, not just what's happening to us.

Every setback, every delay, every unanswered prayer that is God using it to strengthen something inside of you. The same Paul who wrote "rejoice always" also declared in Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

In all things. Not just the blessings. Not just the breakthroughs. In all things including the good, the bad, and the confusing God is working.

Gratitude gives you faith to see that God's hand is still moving even when your eyes can't. It grows something deeper than comfort.  It grows trust. It teaches your heart that God's goodness isn't measured by your comfort but by His unchanging character.

Every test can become testimony. Every struggle can become seed for something greater.

Gratitude Leads Us Back to Worship

When gratitude has grown through the testing, it always leads us somewhere and that is back into worship. Because worship is where gratitude finds its voice.

The prophet Habakkuk captured this beautifully: "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior" (Habakkuk 3:17-18).

That's gratitude at its purest form.  Not dependent on blessing, but rooted in belonging. It's saying, "Even if everything falls apart, I still have Jesus and Jesus is enough."

Psalm 100:4-5 invites us: "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations."

Gratitude transforms our pain into praise and our struggle into surrender. It turns our eyes from what's fading to the One who is eternal.

Hope everyone has a blessed week,

Pastor Jay