On the eve of Thanksgiving, we walk through tired hospital corridors. We are there to visit a friend, but we can’t meet him because he’s still in the ICU. His sister watches the clock in the waiting room. She is emotionally exhausted—but she is also remarkably resilient. As we talk to her, there’s something else—through her tears, she can’t stop giving thanks. 

Her brother has suffered. His body has been through one medical procedure after another. But she still says, “God is good.” There’s nothing fake in her declaration. She doesn’t sugarcoat the trials. But in her suffering, she still sees the sovereignty of God. In her pain, she still sings praises to Him. 

Sure, in her brokenness, she asks God, “Why?” She doesn’t always find the answers she is looking for. Instead, she finds a God who is with her in that waiting room. She finds a God who had prepared her through His promises. She finds a God who doesn’t give her answers to her questions, but is the answer.

And so she gives thanks through the tears. 

Maybe you’re going through your own season of trials. 

Maybe there’s too much on your plate. Or not enough.

Maybe there have been detours. Or even dead ends.

We all encounter those joy-suckers: uncertainties. Stress. Health crises. Bills. Losses. Brokenness.

Are we just supposed to flip a switch and instantly be grateful, even if we’re not feeling it? 

The Bible says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Rejoice. 

Pray. 

Give thanks. 

Always. Constantly. In Everything. 

Giving thanks doesn’t seem like an option. It is an imperative, a command, a directive. 

So, is God saying, suck it up and slap on a smile? 

Well, it’s a good thing we have the whole counsel of Scripture, and not just one verse in isolation. Because we know that God hates hypocrisy. Faking gratitude doesn’t fit in with His character.

Yet, we’re still commanded to thank Him in all circumstances. Not just in situations we perceive as good.

How do we do that? 

The key to true, heartfelt gratitude, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, is anchored in three words of that verse: “In Christ Jesus.”

Thankful because Jesus never leaves us to suffer alone. Thankful because Jesus gives us surpassing peace in the midst of the pain. Thankful because God promises to work all things out—yes, even the present trial—for the good of those who love Him.

Gratitude to God is rooted in our relationship, our union with Christ.

Gratitude is not an effort of the will. It’s not simply drumming up the right emotions. 

Gratitude is not anchored in feelings. Gratitude is an act of faith. 

Our intellect says, “There’s nothing to be thankful for.” But the One in us says through His Spirit, “I will empower you to be thankful.” 

Not thankful for the suffering. But thankful in it. Through Christ, who suffered the agony of the cross for the joy set before Him. 

God commands gratitude, but He doesn’t enforce it. Instead, His grace enables it. On our own, thanksgiving through trials is impossible. But as corny as it sounds, it is Him-possible. 

May we say in the words of David: I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Psalm 34:1)

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

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