Find Gratitude in Hard Times

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Let’s be honest—it’s really hard to feel grateful when life feels like it’s falling apart. When we’re hit from every direction—relationships, money, health, or even spiritually—it can feel impossible to find something to thank God for. Our strength is drained, and gratitude is usually the last thing on our minds.

But here’s the thing: even in those tough seasons, we’re still called to give thanks. Not because everything feels good, but because it helps us shift our focus back to God. Praise and gratitude pull our eyes off the pain and remind us of who He is—faithful, merciful, and steady even when life isn’t.

Lamentations 3:21–24 puts it perfectly:

“Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this:
The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my inheritance;
therefore, I will hope in him!’”

So, on this Thankful Thursday, take a moment to remember where God has shown up for you before—and trust that He’s still doing it now. His mercies never run out, and His faithfulness doesn’t fail. Even in the hard stuff, He’s still good.

Gratitude produces deep, abiding joy because we know that God is working in us, even through difficulties. – Dr. Charles Stanley