How to Be Thankful in the Hard Times
“…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”—1 Thess. 5:18
As we approach Thanksgiving in the U.S. tomorrow, what are you most thankful for?
Would the hard things in your life top that list?
A week ago, my husband made the announcement to our church congregation of 24 years that our family would be stepping away from the ministry at our church to begin developing our new non-profit ministry, OakHaven Ministries.
While this is exciting, there are also some hard things about it.
Saying goodbye to connection as we know it with our beloved friends at our church. (A lot of tears shed already!)
Seeing our youngest (and teenage) son struggle with our decision that will also take him away from the church he knows and loves.
Letting go of a stable income that has allowed me to focus on homeschooling our children
Trusting God to provide for our family through the generosity of others (so humbling!).
A longer commute in traffic for my husband as he will be doing part-time work to support us
Reduced budget for our family as we raise support (time to tighten those belts again!).
This is something that I am beginning to see about God’s blessings. Sometimes it can be a mixed bag. Interwoven with the good comes the hard.
This was true the first time we moved down from a safe and secure (at least from the world’s perspective) situation in the Pacific Northwest to plant our family in Southern California.
This was true when we decided to add our youngest child when I was almost 40 and going back to the baby stage after we thought we were out of it.
This was true when we embarked on the journey of adopting and caring for Anah.
And it is true now as well.
Thankful in All Circumstances
It’s easy to read 1 Thess. 5:18 on the good days. But when we begin to feel the reality of our choices—the loneliness, the long commute, the leaner budget—will I still be thankful?
The word “all” in this verse covers every scenario. It’s comprehensive.
Not only am I to be thankful in the hard times, it is God’s will for me! This is what He wants me to do.
Along with rejoicing always and praying without ceasing, all these things are probably the last thing I am naturally inclined to do when life gets tough.
But what was true for the Thessalonians back in Paul’s day is true for me today too. Remember: back then, Paul wrote this to people who have chosen to take the hard road of following Christ in a world where death through martyrdom was a very real possibility.
While I may not experience that today, I need to accept the fact that following Jesus could challenge my love of comfort, ease, and security. It could test the limits of my commitment. Taking a stand for Christ can hurt—emotionally, relationally, financially, if not physically.
Blessings in the Hard Times
But I can also say that there are benefits in the hard times that we may not experience at any other time.
I get to know Him in a deeper way when life hurts (2 Cor. 1:3). When we don’t experience the pain of hardship, we often don’t turn to Him for comfort.
Hard times removes the delusion of control. It reminds me again that I am always ever in the hands of a sovereign God.
I am given the opportunity to hone my “trust muscles.” I am so used to relying on my own resources, but hard times gives me the opportunity to grow in this facet of my sanctification.
Lastly, the constraints of hard times open up new creative options that I may never have considered. When I turn to God in trust instead of only looking at my limited pool of resources, He opens up doors that I never noticed before.
What About You?
What is hard for you today?
First Thessalonians 5:18 tells us that it is God’s will for you to be thankful in this hard circumstance. How do you receive that at this time? Do you feel doubtful? Angry? Hopeful? Longing? …
In your pain, what kinds of things are being challenged? What comforts, weak spots, or perhaps even idols, are revealed in your hardship? What do your losses, fears, challenges, or doubts show you about yourself and what you value?
How might knowing these actually be a blessing from God for your growth and sanctification? How might God be showing His kindness to you by revealing these things?
Will you follow through and obey: do the hard thing of giving Him thanks right now for your circumstance?
May this Thanksgiving be a memorable one—not only because of His many blessings, but also because of all the trials and struggles.
