The Art of Being Thankful During Tough Times

Is it possible to stay thankful in all circumstances? God’s Word says, “In everything give thanks. This is what God wants you to do because of Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Is God saying you are to be thankful for everything—the good and the bad? That doesn’t sound right.

No, it’s not right. We are to be thankful for everything good. But in the bad, your thankfulness is based on God’s promise to deliver you from tough times. 

God wants your life to be good and fulfilling. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28)

You have two ways to look at your current circumstances. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33), so we know that suffering and hardships are part of living on the earth, and you can focus on them. But God did not leave us without a path to victory. 

The other way to look at circumstances is to be thankful and see things through the powerful love of God who promises to rescue you and keep you safe.

How can you stay thankful when everything seems to be going the wrong way? You can do what David did. His wives, children and all his stuff plus everything belonging to his men had been captured by the enemy. Things were looking bad! David’s men were so grief-stricken they were planning to kill David. 

The Bible says that rather than falling into depression or fear, David encouraged himself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6). David knew Almighty God was his Source. In the middle of that tough time, maybe David remembered with thanksgiving all the times he was a shepherd and God helped him defeat the lion and the bear. And he could have thanked God for delivering him and the whole nation from Goliath and the Philistines. David lived in the protection of the Lord.

David knew the secret. He went to God expecting an answer that would help him and his men. 

How can you do this? Here is a plan, based on biblical principles, to help you stay thankful in all circumstances.

1. Feed on Being Thankful To God

You are what you eat. That rings true for both the physical and the spirit man. If you eat junk food, it will show in the way you look, feel and sleep. The same is true of spiritual food. If you feed your spirit man negative news, opinions on social media, and secular books and movies more than you do good spiritual food, it will begin to show in your outlook on life and your overall success in your finances, relationships and health. That’s why the Bible tells us to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23-27).

If you want to remain thankful, the Word of God is your lifeline. More Word equals more faith, more victory and a much more positive outlook! If you reduce your intake of negative information and opinions, and up your intake of the Word of God through reading His Word, listening to faith teachings, and listening to worship, you’ll encourage yourself in the Lord and find thanksgiving welling up inside you.

2. Speak Words of Thanksgiving

The words you speak have power. Whether you know it or not, there is no such thing as meaningless words. When you say something—you’re training yourself to believe it! And you set spiritual law—good or bad—in motion. That’s why the Bible tells you that your words are containers that will release either death or life into your life (Proverbs 18:21).

You may have gotten into the habit of complaining about your situation. Try this: Set a goal to listen to your words for the next 30 days. Watch what you speak about your nation, your family, your health, your job and your finances. Speak words of thanksgiving over all those things! And watch your outlook and situation turn around.

3. Keep a Gratitude Journal

Instead of focusing on negative things, cultivate a heart full of gratitude! That’s why the Bible instructs us to intentionally think only on good things (Philippians 4:8-9).

A gratitude journal is a great place to start. Take the time to write down three things each morning that you are grateful for. It can be anything—even something as simple as your cup of coffee. Then, spend time thanking God for each of them. You’ll be amazed at how much it will lift your spirit over time. In fact, Dr. Don Colbert prescribes keeping a gratitude journal to many of his patients for physical and emotional healing.

It may be a change to be thankful during tough times, but when you do, you’ll begin to see not only your outlook change, but your circumstances, too! People who are thankful simply enjoy life more and live a better life. You can have that, too. And it’s the kind of life God wants for you.

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