Give Thanks When Life Is Hard

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” — Psalm 107:1 (NIV)

Can you give thanks when life feels overwhelming?

It’s easy to be grateful when your family is healthy, your bills are paid, and life is going according to plan. But when you’re facing loss, uncertainty, or disappointment, gratitude can feel much harder.

Sometimes, the circumstances around us seem to leave little room for thankfulness.

Consider the story of Martin Rinkart, a German pastor who lived during the Thirty Years’ War in the 1600s. His community endured devastating hardship, including disease, death, and economic collapse. During a severe plague in 1637, Rinkart served people in a city overwhelmed by suffering. He is often reported to have buried thousands of people that year, although historical accounts of the exact number vary.

Yet Rinkart is remembered for writing the hymn “Now Thank We All Our God,” a song of thanksgiving that celebrates God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Think about that for a moment. Rinkart’s hymn reminds us that gratitude isn’t reserved for seasons when life is easy. We can remember God’s goodness even when we’re surrounded by hardship.

Gratitude isn’t determined by our circumstances. It grows from knowing who God is.

This doesn’t mean we should ignore our pain or pretend everything is fine. We can grieve what we’ve lost, acknowledge our struggles, and still trust that God remains faithful.

Thanksgiving offers an opportunity to practice that kind of faith.

Maybe this year has brought unexpected challenges. Perhaps someone you love won’t be at the table, or you’re carrying a burden your family doesn’t know about. You don’t have to manufacture happiness or force yourself to feel grateful for painful experiences.

Instead, look for reminders of God’s presence. Thank Him for the person who has encouraged you, the strength to face another day, or the promise that you are never beyond His love.

Even a small expression of gratitude can help redirect your attention toward the hope you have in Him.

You don’t need a perfect life to have a thankful heart.

Today’s Challenge: Read or listen to Martin Rinkart’s hymn, “Now Thank We All Our God.” Then reflect on one way God has remained faithful during a difficult season. If you’re celebrating with family or friends, invite them to share their reflections, too. Make room for honest answers and remind one another that God’s love endures through every circumstance.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfailing love. When life is difficult, help me remember Your goodness without ignoring my pain. Strengthen my faith, open my eyes to Your presence, and teach me to give thanks in every season. May my gratitude point others toward Your hope. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Quote to Remember

“Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices.” — Martin Rinkart