Why Should I Be Thankful?
Hello Friend! I don’t like to use the word “should,” but why should I be thankful? Or is it possible when we are in the throes of emotional pain?
Thankfulness is often seen as a means of raising our mood, and it often does for me. It’s good for our mental health.
The book of 1 Thessalonians says, “. . .in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This can seem unrealistic and unreachable at times. Does it mean we need to give thanks for everything?
When I’ve gone through a tough time, I can look back and give thanks that God brought me through that trial.
But do I have to thank Him for my depression? For the dark and confusing periods when I couldn’t function, and my husband had to take care of me?
I didn’t have the mindset to thank God during those times, and I can’t remember thanking Him during those circumstances.
Is it possible to thank God in such rough patches? Yes and no.
I think God is gracious to us when our circumstances are so unbearable that we can barely squeeze out a thank you to God.
Thankfulness can’t be forced. Sometimes it feels obligatory like that thankfulness journal that someone gave me for a gift. It said, “Write three things you’re thankful for each day.”
I’m thankful because God is with me. Jesus promises us that He is there in our darkest times.
Psalm 139:5,6 says, “You have enclosed me before and behind and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me. It is too high, I cannot attain to it.”
God—Christ Himself who is God—is there with us.
So yes, we can give thanks in all things because He is present with us, and He works everything for good for those who love Him. But no, we don’t have to thank Him for a tragic event, or for our mental illness. However, I don’t want to quench what He may lead you to be thankful for.
Why do we give thanks? Because it pleases God. It brings Him so much joy when His children show gratitude for His presence and for what He provides for us including His death on the cross for us. It doesn’t have to feel like an obligation. It’s a heart attitude of gratitude. For His faithfulness and lovingkindness. Thank you, Lord that in this anxiety and depression, though I can’t see you, I know You are working. Thank you that you are using my wounds and scars for Your good purposes.
I like to thank God at night as I am winding down, sitting in my comfy chair in the living room, now with my dog in my lap. It brings me peace to thank Him for the little things and big things whether it was getting the dishes cleaned up, a communication with a friend or family member, or that I made it through one more day. I may be completely exhausted and forget, but that’s OK. God understands, and we are not under a strict law without the grace to fail to give thanks.
So, I give thanks to God because He is present throughout my suffering, because He works all things together for good for those who love Him, and because I desire to communicate with Him about the happenings of my day, difficult as they may be, or little pleasures that He granted to me.
I hope I’m not just spinning out platitudes that you’ve heard over and over again because thanksgiving is truly an essential part of our day, and the Holy Spirit may draw our attention to something to be grateful for right at the moment, causing the blessing of connectedness with Him in the moment.
Are you able to give thanks for anything in your life right now? If not, I am praying for you in this hard time.
What ways have you found to practice thanksgiving? I’d like to know.
- Marilyn