Why is gratitude important, especially in challenging times? The world can be tough, with increasing stress, financial pressures, and feelings of isolation. It’s natural to wonder what there is to be thankful for. So, why does the Bible emphasize thanksgiving?
God encourages us to offer thanks with a grateful heart, but how can we manage that when it feels like everything is falling apart? In this blog, we’ll explore the significance of gratitude even when facing adversity.
Expressing gratitude comes naturally when life is smooth sailing, but what about when it’s not? Consider the wisdom of 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
The psalmist in Psalm 77 also offers insight into this topic.
“I cry out to God; yes, I shout. Oh, that God would listen to me! When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. Interlude You don’t let me sleep. I am too distressed even to pray! I think of the good old days, long since ended, when my nights were filled with joyful songs. I search my soul and ponder the difference now. Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will he never again be kind to me? Is his unfailing love gone forever? Have his promises permanently failed? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he slammed the door on his compassion? Interlude And I said, “This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me.””
Psalms 77:1-10 NLT
From the passage above, we can discern the psalmist’s inner turmoil and distress. How did he find solace and manage his emotions? “But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations. By your strong arm, you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Interlude”
Psalms 77:11-15 NLT
“When the Red Sea saw you, O God, its waters looked and trembled! The sea quaked to its very depths. The clouds poured down rain; the thunder rumbled in the sky. Your arrows of lightning flashed. Your thunder roared from the whirlwind; the lightning lit up the world! The earth trembled and shook. Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters— a pathway no one knew was there! You led your people along that road like a flock of sheep, with Moses and Aaron as their shepherds.”
Psalms 77:16-20 NLT
To begin with, he initiated a practice of expressing gratitude to God for his past triumphs. He extended this gratitude to include victories mentioned in the Bible. Likewise, we can break free from a sense of hopelessness by acknowledging and thanking God for the victories we’ve experienced. It’s about listing them, regardless of whether they seem significant or minor. This brings to mind a familiar song: 🎵 “Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done” 🎵. Keeping a gratitude journal and systematically recording your victories can be a valuable practice. Imagine lighting a candle, sitting with your coffee, listening to praise and worship music, and as you pray, take the time to note down these victories. Subsequently, offer heartfelt thanks for each of these moments.
Secondly, we notice the psalmist referencing the miraculous splitting of the Red Sea. This event occurred when the Israelites were fleeing from the Egyptians, facing what seemed like an insurmountable obstacle. Picture it: a sea blocking their path, Egyptian chariots rapidly approaching from behind, and they were trapped in between. It was an utterly desperate situation. However, God had previously promised to lead them to a land abundant with milk and honey. When faced with seemingly hopeless situations, remember to anchor yourself to the promises God has bestowed upon you. Just as God parted the seas for the Israelites, providing a dry path, recall the lyrics of the song 🎵”God will make a way where there seems to be no way, He works in ways we cannot see. He will make a way for me” 🎵. Cling steadfastly to those promises in your own life.
This practice will bring almost instant strength, leaving you renewed and filled with gratitude after your quiet time.
Now the question arises why is it so important to Thank God. Psalm 100:4-5: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” This verse highlights that we approach God with hearts filled with thanksgiving as we enter His gates and offer praise as we step into His courts. The analogy of the temple, gates, and courts illustrates a profound way to worship God, underscoring the significance of thanksgiving and praise as a means to access the deepest realms of intimacy with God. This worship represents an act of surrender, love, and reverence toward the eternal God.
In the Bible there have been several examples of thanksgiving to God in difficult situations
There are several biblical stories that involve characters or groups of people offering thanksgiving to God. Here are a few notable examples:
- The Healing of the Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19): In this story, Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank Him for the miraculous healing. Jesus emphasizes the importance of gratitude.
- The Feeding of the Five Thousand (Matthew 14:13-21): Jesus multiplies loaves and fishes to feed a large crowd of people. Before distributing the food, He gives thanks to God, setting an example of thanksgiving before a meal. Jesus multiplied 5 loaves and 2 fish to feed a multitude. After, everyone had eaten there were 12 basket fulls remaining.
- The Song of Moses and Miriam (Exodus 15:1-21): After the Israelites cross the Red Sea, Moses and Miriam lead the people in a song of thanksgiving to God for their deliverance from Pharaoh’s army. Psalm 95:2: “Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.”
- The Story of Hannah (1 Samuel 1:9-20): Hannah, who was barren, prayed to God for a child. When she gave birth to Samuel, she offered a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving to God.
- The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32): In this parable, the prodigal son, after squandering his inheritance, returns to his father, who welcomes him with open arms. There is a sense of thanksgiving and celebration in this story as the lost son is found.
These stories reflect moments of gratitude and thanksgiving to God in various contexts, whether it’s for healing, provision, deliverance, or reconciliation. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging God’s goodness and grace.
In a world often marked by chaos and challenges, the practice of biblical thanksgiving emerges as a cornerstone of faith. Through the pages of the Bible, we find a resounding call to offer thanks in all circumstances. This act of gratitude, more than a mere ritual, is a profound means of connecting with the Divine.
From the Psalms that overflow with praise to the stories of overcoming adversity through thanksgiving, the Bible underscores the importance of acknowledging God’s goodness. Thanksgiving is not limited to moments of ease but shines brightest in the darkest of times. It is a powerful weapon against despair, a shield against doubt, and a bridge to God’s heart.
The impact of gratitude transcends the spiritual realm, extending to our mental and emotional well-being. Scientific studies affirm its ability to boost our mood, reduce stress, and foster resilience. Thus, biblical thanksgiving not only enriches our faith but also enhances our overall quality of life.
As we cultivate a thankful heart, we embark on a journey of worship, surrender, and intimacy with an ever-faithful God. It’s an invitation to see the world through the lens of blessings, to count our gifts rather than our losses, and to recognize that every moment is an opportunity to give thanks.
In the end, biblical thanksgiving is more than a religious duty; it is a transformative way of life. It is an echo of God’s love, a testament to His grace, and a reminder that, even in the most turbulent times, gratitude is the key to unlocking the door to a deeper, enduring faith. So, let us enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise, for in this act, we find not only the heart of worship but the essence of our relationship with the Creator of all things.
