Thankful In All Circumstances

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Of these words Paul included in the conclusion of his first letter to the Thessalonians, I’ve often contemplated the part which states, "in everything give thanks.” 

To be honest, there are plenty of times when an ungrateful, complaining sentiment comes forth in my thoughts, words, and actions, and I am ashamed to say, it arrives too easily.

When all is well, gratitude is effortless, although it is important to remember to articulate that gratitude to the Lord who gives us everything, most importantly salvation. But how easy is it to give thanks when circumstances are less than ideal?

I have recently found myself being unhappy, and therefore, ungrateful for various reasons such as: issues at my job, dissatisfaction with my looks and watching myself age, family struggles, difficulty with technical issues that have bogged down my photography work, irritation with bad drivers and rude people at the store, and unhappiness with a stranger who stole something from our property. With each of these circumstances, my reactions have varied from grumbling to self-pity to sorrow to being very upset.

It is when facing struggles, some of which may seem so small in the grand scheme of things, that I find myself needing to have a reset on gratitude. Here are some things that help when I feel despair and ingratitude attempting to set up camp in my spirit.

• Remembering the sacrifice of our Savior. When I think of what Jesus endured and the enormity of what He suffered, my issues are very small by comparison. And Jesus, being perfect and deserving none of the punishment, willingly underwent His crucifixion for me as an act of great love. When I think of how I am forgiven and restored to my Father through His death, burial, and resurrection, I am so grateful, causing other things to seem less important by comparison.
• Recalling God’s faithfulness to me. I can reflect on the many ways that God cared for me through the most difficult times. He helped me deliver a healthy child prematurely during challenging medical circumstances when I was scared half to death. God provided for me when I was a single mom unsure how to make ends meet. He helped me quickly find new employment when I was given a termination notice at work. I am thankful for the many wonderful people He has brought into my life to befriend, teach, guide, and mentor me, both professionally and personally. God drew me closer to Him and helped me find peace during the tumultuous times of the pandemic. He provided a wonderful husband to me at a time when I simply expected to stay single in perpetuity. When I think of all the many ways He has taken care of me, I cannot help but be thankful.
• Keeping a gratitude journal. Each day I handwrite the little moments that blessed me throughout the day, and I try to challenge myself to find different things each day, as well as remember things that we take for granted. For example, how often do we think of how blessed we are to simply have running water, which is a true luxury in some countries? I might note something as basic as that, but also something special about the day such as a visit with a friend, my husband whipping up one of his excellent breakfasts, or even something as small as seeing a pretty butterfly in my yard or finding my favorite ice cream on sale at the store.
• Reviewing God’s Word. Reading God’s Word helps us keep several things in mind. God reminds us that the things of this world are temporary, fleeting, and small when considering the greatness of His kingdom and an eternal timeline. He also promises a glorious eternity with Him. His faithfulness, love, compassion, mercy, and forgiveness are demonstrated repeatedly in the familiar accounts in the Bible, and this helps me remember to be so thankful for serving such a wonderful and awesome God. His Word also reminds us He is sovereign over all circumstances, none of which surprise Him.
• Spending time in nature. When I spend time outside, I am so awed by God’s creation. What is even more remarkable is that Hebrews tells us it is just a shadow of Heaven, which will be abundantly superior. I look at all the many details God has put into this earth, all of the work, and all of the care. I cannot help but be impressed by God because of His creation and be thankful again that He is such an amazing and creative God, and He has given us all of this to enjoy.
• Reflecting on Philippians 4:8. God tells us in this verse to consider whatever is true, dignified, right, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. In pondering this verse, when I take time to focus on things that are lovely or excellent, I focus less on the things that upset me. I feel so appreciative and grateful for things which are truly wonderful that I think less on things which are not, those things which tempt me toward ungratefulness.

There will always be good days and challenging days, but we can choose to be grateful or ungrateful regardless. It is okay to acknowledge that something is challenging, irritating, unjust, or upsetting. However, if we pause and take time to reflect, we really can give thanks in all circumstances.

Jeanne-Marie Witmer

Jeanne-Marie Witmer, Daughter of the King, is a wife and a mother to a teenage son. She wants to encourage women to have meaningful relationships by first having a meaningful relationship with Jesus. Jeanne-Marie understands the transformative work of Christ when we repent and submit to Him so that He can work in our lives. She would like to share what she's learned to help other women find hope and healing in Christ, and she prays that her written words glorify God. When not busy homeschooling, spending time with family and friends, or writing; Jeanne-Marie enjoys photography and many crafts and hobbies.