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(1 Thessalonians 5:18) “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
SERIES 8: BECOMING LIKE JESUS. 19. Living with gratitude (Learning to recognise God’s goodness in every circumstance).
Following Jesus means learning to live with gratitude – not only when life is going well, but also when circumstances are difficult. Gratitude does not mean pretending that everything is going great. It means choosing to recognise that God is still good, even when life is not.
Yes, it’s easy to thank God when prayers are answered. Yes, it’s easy when opportunities open. Yes, it’s easy when relationships are going well and everything seems to be falling into place. But what happens when plans fail, disappointment comes or life takes an unexpected turn…? These are the moments when gratitude becomes a choice rather than simply a feeling.
The Bible tells us to give thanks IN ALL circumstances. Notice that it does not say to give thanks FOR ALL circumstances. We do not have to be thankful for suffering, loss or injustice. But we can still find reasons to thank God in the middle of them. His presence ‘in us’ has not changed. His love has not disappeared. His faithfulness does not depend upon our circumstances.
Jesus Himself gave thanks even in difficult moments. He knew what lay ahead, yet He continued to trust His Father. His gratitude came from knowing who God was, not from having an easy life.
Gratitude also changes the way we see what we already have. Instead of constantly focusing on what is missing, we begin to notice God’s gifts: the people He has placed around us, the opportunities He gives us to serve, the beauty of creation, the forgiveness we have received and the simple blessings we can easily take for granted.
A grateful heart does not ignore difficulties. It simply refuses to allow current difficulties to become the whole story.
When we practise gratitude, our perspective begins to change. We become less focused on what we want and more aware of what God has already given. And as we recognise His goodness, even in difficult circumstances, our trust in Him grows deeper.
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Let’s pray, “Heavenly Father help me to grow up and recognise that here in this world we will have tribulations (John 16:33), but Jesus has promised us that we will have peace in Him… and to take heart, because He has overcome the world.” Amen!!
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