“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Gratitude is a powerful force. It has the ability to change our outlook, soften our hearts, and transform the way we see the world around us. But it’s often easy to be grateful when life is going well—when the bills are paid, when the kids are behaving, when work is fulfilling, and the world seems at peace. But what about when things go wrong? What about when life takes unexpected turns, when we face trials or seasons of waiting, or when circumstances feel too much to bear? This study challenges us to explore how we can still find gratitude in those unexpected places.
Reframing Our Mindset on Gratitude
Paul’s call to “give thanks in all circumstances” can seem daunting, especially when life is difficult. But there is a key distinction in the verse: we are called to give thanks in all circumstances—not necessarily for them. This means gratitude doesn’t deny our pain or struggle; it acknowledges God’s presence even in the midst of hardship. In Romans 8:28, Paul reminds us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Gratitude in the hard times is not about denying the reality of difficulty, but about choosing to trust that God is working all things for good, even when we can’t see it.
Think about a current difficulty in your life. It could be a relationship that’s strained, an unanswered prayer, or a personal challenge you’re facing. Take a moment to reflect: What has God already done for you in the past to demonstrate His faithfulness? What small moment of hope can you find in this hard circumstance? Take time to write down one way God is still working in your life, even in this season of difficulty. This practice can help you reframe your mindset to see gratitude, not just in the good times, but in the hard times too.
Gratitude as an Act of Trust
Choosing gratitude, especially in times of hardship, is an act of trust in God’s sovereign plan. It is saying, “God, even though I don’t understand this, I trust that You are in control.” This kind of gratitude helps us to cling to God’s promises in times when our emotions may not feel so stable.
In Psalm 9:1, David says, “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” David, a man who faced immense trials, still chose gratitude because he trusted that God was faithful. Gratitude in trials acknowledges God’s sovereignty and faithfulness even when circumstances suggest otherwise.
This week, identify one area where you’re struggling to trust God. It could be a fear for the future or a frustration with the present. Begin to thank God for His faithfulness in other areas of your life. You might write down a prayer of thanks for something as simple as your health, family, or provision, trusting that God is at work in the unseen places of your heart.
Seeing God in the Ordinary
It’s easy to thank God for the extraordinary moments: a financial provision, a relationship restored, a prayer answered. But gratitude in the ordinary is where the real transformation of mindset and attitude happens. God is present in our daily routines, even in the mundane tasks we often overlook. This shift in perspective helps us live in gratitude not just when life is extraordinary, but also when it’s ordinary. In Deuteronomy 8:10, Moses reminds the Israelites, “When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you.” Gratitude isn’t reserved for big, monumental events—it’s meant to be an everyday practice.
Choose one ordinary task today—whether it’s cleaning the house, travelling to work, or preparing a meal—and as you do it, thank God for His presence in that moment. Acknowledge that He is with you in the small moments of life. Gratitude, in the ordinary, helps to keep our hearts humble and attuned to His presence.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your unshakable presence in all circumstances. Even when I can’t understand why things are happening the way they are, I trust You. Teach me to cultivate a heart of gratitude in the hard places, to see You in both the extraordinary and the ordinary. I know You are always working for my good, and I thank You for that truth today.