How to Be Thankful When Life is Hard

Scripture: “Be thankful in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The Bible encourages us to be thankful at all times. But how do you thank God when you feel like nothing but bad things are happening in your life?

Remember Who God Is, Trust Him

When life is tough, remember who God is. He is good, powerful, loving and faithful. God holds the power to change all things, and you can come to Him because he loves you. When my baby was in the hospital fighting for life, I forced myself to thank God (with tears in my eyes), because I remembered that our God is good all the time. Our circumstances may change, but God does not!

Being thankful, no matter what, shows you trust God’s plan for your life. “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21). That means God has the power to give and the power to take away. Have faith in His power and His perfect plan for your life.

Come to Jesus, He will Satisfy

No amount of material things will ever satisfy us. We always want more. But Jesus said, “I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35). Jesus is the only source of true satisfaction. Have you come to Jesus and received the life he offers? When you do, you can learn God’s plan for your life and then be thankful in every situation.

List Your Blessings, Focus on the Good Things

When we thank God, we are focused on our blessings. “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father...” (James 1:17). Write down all the good things God has given you. Start with life itself and his son Jesus, who died on the cross for you. You will be amazed at how long your list will be. This will change your perspective and help you see that God loves you. Having a thankful heart doesn’t mean your life is perfect; it means you focus on the good things God has given you.

Why Do We Pray?

Scripture: “How gracious [the Lord] will be when you cry for help! As soon as He hears, He will answer you.” Isaiah 30:19b

What Is Prayer?

Prayer is talking to God. You can call out to God in praise, confess your sins, thank Him, ask for help, and much more. Prayer is a conversation between you and God. Here’s why you should pray.

Why Should We Pray?

Do you want to know God? Prayer will help you grow closer to Him. The Lord is constantly speaking to people through the Bible (His Word). He wants us to respond to Him through prayer. That’s why the most important reason we should pray is because God wants us to. By praying, you’re being obedient.

God has given many other reasons we should pray. His Word tells us that “the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16). His Word also promises that God will “faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds” (Psalm 65:5). Jesus said that as long as you’re praying in God’s will, “You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it” (Matthew 21:22).

Why Does God Want Us To Pray?

Just as a loving parent wants to hear from their child, God wants to hear from us. As our Father, God will listen to us, His children. We want to maintain our relationship with God. Without prayer, we would be cut off from a great part of life with Him.

What Should We Pray For?

The Apostle Paul instructed his Christian friends, “pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done” (Philippians 4:6). God wants us to live lives of joy. He made us to reflect His image and follow His ways. When we pray and God answers our prayers, it shows His goodness. When other people see God’s goodness, it can attract them to a relationship with the Lord.

Why Do We Read the Bible?

Scripture: “Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105

When you are learning about Jesus Christ and about becoming His follower, Christians will suggest that you read the Bible. You might hear the Bible referred to as “the Word of God,” “Scripture,” or “God’s Word.” But why did God use this book to share His story -- and why should you care?

What Is The Bible?

Thousands of years ago, God began revealing His plan to people on Earth. When people responded in“faith” (Genesis 15:6), God led them and taught them His ways. The Bible tells us Who God is, as God“revealed [His plan] to His holy apostles and prophets” (Ephesians 3:5). These plans were written in laws and holy letters. God also inspired His followers to record the great things He did in their lives, and to write about what He’s like. That means the Bible is not one message; it is a collection of God’s messages through much of human history.

The Bible Guides Your Life

God gave these messages to communicate His love and plan to save all people. God’s message changes lives. The Apostle Paul described God’s Scripture as “inspired by God, useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16). Being familiar with the Bible helps you learn to trust God’s Holy Spirit, rather than yourself, so “that you may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17) which God calls you to.

Power From God’s Word

Jesus quoted, “‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from God’” (Matthew 4:4). Just as our physical bodies gain energy from daily meals, so our spiritual lives gain power from daily intake of God’s Word. God will bring to mind what you’ve read and help you overcome evil in your life. This helps you trust God for the life to come. Learn how to accept Christ so you can have power from His word today.