It's tough to feel grateful when everything around us feels so out of control. We have trials and challenges beating us down from all sides, and the world is downright frightening. But today I'm teaching you how to be thankful when life is hard.
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it can feel impossible to experience thankfulness when there’s so much going on.
Between the craziness in this world and the turmoil we face every day, it’s enough to leave us feeling hopeless; making us want to run from it all.
But the truth is, even in the midst of our most difficult challenges, the power of thankfulness can still shine.
Something we need to understand is that Scripture teaches us to expect pain and suffering in our lives. This isn’t a surprise.
I have told you these things so that you will be whole and at peace. In this world, you will be plagued with times of trouble, but you need not fear; I have triumphed over this corrupt world order.
John 16:33 The Voice
On top of that, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 commands us to be grateful in every circumstance.
But why?
How can we foster a thankful heart when it feels like our life is falling apart faster than we can fix it?
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How to Be Thankful When There’s NOTHING to Be Thankful For
If you’re nodding your head right now and thinking, “Yes, Tammy. I feel like I’m suffocating in the pain,” then I’ve got you, my friend.
In this episode of A Faithful God Podcast, I’m diving into how to be thankful when life is hard.
I’ll break down…
- why we’re called to be thankful
- what 1 Thessalonians 5:18 really means
- and share three practical steps you can start today to cultivate a grateful heart
Why ARE WE CALLED TO BE THANKFUL
Thankfulness isn’t just a pleasant feeling or social nicety.
It’s a crucial aspect to our life.
Even in the toughest of times, gratitude can be a guiding light, giving us the strength we need to endure.
Being thankful doesn’t mean denying the difficulties we face. Instead, it’s about acknowledging the blessings that persist even in the face of adversity.
When we’re facing our greatest storms, gratitude can provide a ray of hope and a beautiful reminder of the goodness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
What 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Really Means
You’ve probably read 1 Thessalonians 5:18 at some point in your life.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” NIV
At first glance this seems kind of crazy, doesn’t it? I mean how does God expect us to be thankful no matter what’s going on around us?
To “give thanks in all circumstances” doesn’t mean we pretend everything is perfect or that we should be joyful regardless of our situation.
Instead, it encourages us to find reasons for thankfulness, even when life is tough.
It reminds us that, IN all circumstances, we can find something to be grateful for.
It’s an invitation to search for the blessings and put our focus on them, no matter how small they seem.
But there’s more we can learn from this verse, so I’ll break it down further in today’s show.
The 3 Steps to Cultivate Thankfulness
In this episode, I’m sharing three steps you can take today to cultivate a heart of thankfulness, including HOW to…
- change your perspective and put your focus on God, when you can’t see anything but the pain around you.
- create a daily practice of gratitude.
- put gratefulness in action by serving others.
And don’t worry, my friend. I’ll walk you through every step.
3 steps for how to be thankful when life is hard
Today’s show offers a practical roadmap to help you cultivate a heart filled with thankfulness.
So, as you go about your day, remember that even when life is tough, there are opportunities to practice gratitude.
It’s in these moments that the true power of thankfulness is revealed, offering you strength, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for God’s goodness.
Oh, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying this is easy.
But in order to get up every day and keep going, we must be persistent and consistent in our pursuit of thankfulness — especially when everything around us feels impossible.
So grab your earbuds and your favorite beverage and I’ll walk you through every step in How to be Thankful When Life is Hard.
how to be thankful when life is hard
- 00:00 Welcome
- 02:05 Why do we need to be thankful in all circumstances
- 06:41 The challenge of cultivating a heart of thankfulness
- 11:20 What does it mean to be thankful in every circumstance
- 14:08 3 Steps to fostering a heart of thankfulness
- 17:39 How to practice daily gratitude
- 21:10 How serving others fosters a heart of gratitude
- 26:23 What you can expect when you choose to be grateful in all circumstances
- 27:30 How to be thankful in God freebie
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Mentioned in TODAY’S show
Fearless Prayer: 7-days to overcoming doubt and distractions to create a consistent prayer life
The Secret to Creating Habits that Stick
30-Day Thankful in God Scripture Challenge
Learning how to put our complete trust in God isn’t easy. We say we trust God, but what we really mean is that we trust Him for what we want, when we want it. At Footprints of Inspiration we uncover who you are and why you were created; how to walk in healing through forgiveness; and how to go before the Lord with confidence. Through this journey, you’ll discover that it truly is possible to experience peace, even in the hardest times in your life.
Tammy Rotzoll is the founder and owner of Footprints of Inspiration and podcast host at A Faithful God Podcast (which can be found on your favorite podcast player). She lives in Virginia with her husband and together they’re learning how to navigate their fun, new adventure as empty nesters.
Join Tammy and the FOI community and discover the freedom that comes from saying, “Heck yeah, God! I’m all in!”