Can we thank God even in times of hardships and adversity? It appears that our human inclination is to express gratitude when all is well, yet in the darkest hours, we often find ourselves silent or even drowning in a sea of complaints.
However, as we turn to Scripture, we see David declaring in the Psalms, “I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1).
Meanwhile, the apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Thessalonians, encourages us to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). In essence, our thanksgiving to God should not be a mere response to favorable conditions. No, our gratitude flows because of who God is, regardless of life’s vicissitudes. Beyond any circumstance, God stands eternally worthy of our adoration.
Although that would be a good enough reason, there are more reasons to give thanks, especially when considering the beauty of His sacrificial love shown upon the cross. It is a gift that no earthly tribulation can tear away from us, no matter how stormy the weather. As Christians, therefore, we do not give thanks and rejoice despite the challenges we face but through them. For we are not called to escapism, but rather to remember that every earthly blessing or trial is here to shape us into the image of His likeness.
Finally, we give thanks because He is our hope and our future. He shall reclaim all that is His, redeeming our world from its fallen state. The best part is that we are cordially invited to the most breathtaking feast that shall ever be!