It takes a devout Christian who is committed to Christ to give thanks especially in trying times.
This attitude is not common among every Christian. Being thankful can be a challenging thing to do even when we feel blessed, so just imagine how hard it may be when in challenging circumstances. An understanding of why you should give thanks can help you be more grateful even in trying circumstances, which is the aim of this article.
One of the basic commands of the scriptures required of every believer is to give thanks to God in every circumstance. Meanwhile, a lot of folks misinterpret that scripture for meaning, “to give thanks for every circumstance”. These mean two different things.
Giving thanks in every situation, it’s like saying, “I thank God that things are not working” which doesn’t make sense. While giving thanks in every situation is like saying, “Thank you Lord that I’m alive even though things may not be working the way they should”.
Outlined below are five reasons Christians should be grateful in trying circumstances.
1. It's A Good Thing To Do
According to (Psalm 92:1-2), the scripture says that “It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night.” Always praising God, allows his blessings to run through you.
2. It Eliminates Anxiety
Trying circumstances puts you on the edge. You become anxious over certain things. Research has shown that living with chronic anxiety stresses the body. It affects the quality of your health and life. However, when you assume the attitude of gratefulness, it eliminates anxiety. No wonder the scripture says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
3. It Gives God Total Control over the Circumstance
Expressing gratitude to God during difficult times acknowledges His sovereignty over the circumstance. It shows that we trust in His character, His past deeds, and His ability to bring about a positive outcome. By giving thanks, we open the door for God to work in our lives and demonstrate His power and faithfulness once again. We invite Him to intervene and work things out according to His will and purpose. In essence, thanking God in trying times relinquishes control and allows Him to take charge and do what He does best.
4. It Reveals Our Dependency on God
Expressing gratitude to God during difficult times is an acknowledgment of our dependency on Him. It reveals our recognition of our human limitations and our need for divine intervention. As we thank God in our weakness, we recognize that we cannot do it alone and that we need His help to overcome our struggles. This dependence on God is not a sign of weakness, but rather a source of strength, as we trust in His grace and power to sustain us. As the scripture says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
5. It Reveals the Condition of Our Hearts
Expressing gratitude in challenging circumstances reflects what is happening within us more than what is happening around us. It reveals our inner disposition and helps us maintain a humble perspective, recognizing that we should not consider ourselves better than we really are. When we choose to be thankful, we guard our hearts against pride and arrogance, which can hinder our relationship with God and others. As the scripture says, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble" (James 4:6). Therefore, by cultivating a thankful heart, we demonstrate humility and acknowledge our dependence on God, which opens the door to His grace and favor in our lives.
Spread Love, Spread Jesus
At Walk in Faith Clothing, our mission is to inspire individuals of all ages to display their love for Jesus. We hope to spark conversations about our God through Christian apparel & accessories. We give a portion of every sale to nonprofit Christian organizations to help fight human trafficking & world hunger.
