By Melissa McLaughlin
Miss Anna’s face glistened. Each Sunday, this faithful saint pressed down the aisle, muscles straining at every step. Her face lit with triumph as she propelled her walker into the sanctuary and took her seat.
The sunlight beamed through the church’s stained-glass windows. Vivid colors illuminated the pews like a heavenly kaleidoscope. Yet, Miss Anna’s countenance radiated brighter still.
Even as Miss Anna’s pace slowed through the years, her eyes twinkled.
“How are you today, Miss Anna?”
With her voice cracking and smile beaming, “God is so good to me! Oh, how I love Jesus,” her ready answer.
Thanking God in Tough Times
We all face difficulties. Maybe age or health problems add an overwhelming challenge to daily tasks we once took for granted. Perhaps you are struggling with disappointment from job loss, financial struggles, broken relationships, addictions or life-controlling habits.
No matter the person, no matter the season of life, everyone is fighting a battle.
How can we thank God when we are hurting or grieving? How can we live like Miss Anna?
Philippians: 6 Ways to Thank God in Tough Times
One biblical example was Paul. Although many consider Paul’s letter to the Philippians a joyful book, he wrote the book of Philippians from prison.
What lessons can we learn from Paul about how to be thankful in tough times?
Here are 6 ways to thank God in tough times from the book of Philippians:
1.Thank God for your brothers and sisters in Christ. The family of God is not perfect. We are forgiven sinners who recognize our need for a Savior. Nevertheless, Christians link arms of love through the Holy Spirit.
Philippians 1:3-5 ESV – I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
2.Thank God that He uses trials and persecution to spread the gospel. At the writing of these words, Paul was in prison. Yet He was grateful God used this hardship to advance the kingdom. When my friend was hospitalized for cancer, she prayed for opportunities to share Jesus’ love and gospel message with roommates and medical staff. There is no earthly point so low, that God cannot use it for eternal good.
Philippians 1:12-14 NIV – Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
3.Thank God that Jesus’ obedience and humility brought us salvation and victory! Although our suffering and wounds really hurt, eternal separation from God would be worse. As we remember Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, we rejoice for our heavenly home where death, sin, and pain will be vanquished.
Philippians 2:8-11 NIV – And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
4.Thank God that suffering provides an opportunity to know Jesus and fellowship with Him. Though no one would choose hardship, God allows this to refine us and deepen our dependence on Him. This is a mysterious fellowship with Jesus, becoming like Him in suffering. There is freshness in the soul when we live as those who are raised from the dead.
Philippians 3:10-11 NIV – I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
5.Thank God our citizenship is in heaven. God has placed us in earthly nations so we can spread Christ’s love and gospel across the earth. However, our true soul identity and final resting place is in heaven, where we will share in Jesus’ inheritance. Even our weary bodies will be transformed!
Philippians 3:20-21 NIV – But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
6.Thank God for His joy, peace, and good gifts. We have a choice to make. We can fix our minds on the one prayer God has not answered. Or we can thank Him for the countless blessings He lavished on us. His joy and peace are available as we thank Him and rest in Him. When we focus on every good thing in our lives, our thanksgiving will overflow.
Philippians 4:4-8 NIV – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things
What helps you thank God in tough times? Do you know someone like Miss Anna or Paul?
Other posts you may enjoy:
God Provides a Door of Hope in the Valley of Trouble
Pause and Take Time to Rejoice
Melissa, this is a powerful message. It has always amazed me how the Apostle Paul wrote such heartfelt and soul-stirring words from prison and in chains. Each of your 6 ways to thank God resonated with me in some way; God’s inspired Word reaches the depths of our soul. Jesus is our example, He left the splendor of heaven to humble himself in the form of a servant, obedient to death on a cross. And we can certainly rejoice in the Lord always! God bless.
Karen, you are right. When I try to visual Paul in prison penning these words, I am overcome. What amazing faith. O Lord, please stir our hearts anew. Help us fix our eyes on Jesus! God bless you, Karen!
Thank you for this reminder to be grateful in every moment. I woke this morning and began worrying about a situation. Then, I remembered to be thankful to God. I’m thankful to go to Him with my tears, my joys, my questions, and so much more. The day may be filled with challenges, but, I find peace,comfort and thanksgiving with God. Have a blessed day dear friend! 🙂
Melissa, I completely understand. It is a daily walk with the Lord, daily surrendering our hearts, daily surrendering our concerns, and simply worshiping Him in gratitude day by day. This does not come naturally! We need the Holy Spirit to keep drawing our eyes and hearts back to Christ. Releasing our grip on this life and leaning into Jesus. May God bless you with His comfort and peace. May He hold you close. Blessings always, dear friend!
I think a lot about #5. It keeps me from feeling “stuck” in my troubles here and feeling sorry for myself. God is good!
Amen Priscilla! God is so good! May we be encouraged daily as we remember, we are in this world but not of it. God bless you!
I thank God that we can use our difficult times to draw close to Jesus.
I remember those who have been examples to me. They had troubles but always praised God for His love and faithfulness to them.
I love the song I remember hearing my mom sing. “I’m holding to the Unseen Hand, that guides me through this weary land. And some sweet day I’ll reach that strand, still holding to the Unseen Hand.”
During hard times I remember their example. God never failed them. And He will not fail me either.
How could we not praise and thank God for His never failing love?
Thank you for sharing your insights and memories, Mary Anne. I remember some faith-filled Christians who have gone before me, as well. Your mom is a wonderful example. I love that you even have a song to remember her singing. Sometimes a Christian song can carry us farther than anything else. I’m going to look that one up, because I don’t know that one. May we keep singing to Jesus, even in the hard times. God bless you and your family, Mary Anne!
Well Sister, the power of the Holy Spirit through you strikes yet again! I don’t have time for every blog and every devotional & app I’ve downloaded…but, grateful to be led and to make time for yours.
The timing is perfect for me and likely many. I intend to take more time in Philippians today.
This one struck me as most powerful:
“ 6.Thank God for His joy, peace, and good gifts. We have a choice to make. We can fix our minds on the one prayer God has not answered. Or we can thank Him for the countless blessings He lavished on us. His joy and peace are available as we thank Him and rest in Him. When we focus on every good thing in our lives, our thanksgiving will overflow.”
At once it hit me and have new life to Phil 4:8 …there is a gratitude list prolific all around me. I did not go from panic & anxiousness to prayer asking God for the 1000++ blessings on earth (beyond what’s already promised eternal) that are separate from the very few prayers in relation to what’s already been given. This just radically changed my perspective. My prayer needs to begin and end with gratitude and thanksgiving. So much is taken for granted. I didn’t pray for so much of it, yet He has given it all. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Melissa!
God bless you,
Mike C
All glory to God! Thank you, Mike, for making time to read and share your insights. Holy Spirit connections, for sure! I know you are busy with so many ministries and prayer groups. Seriously, I am blessed and humbled that you are able to read my posts. May we stay surrendered before Him so He can do all He wants to do through each of us.
I agree with you, our prayers need to begin and end with gratitude. The daily earthly blessings are endless. AND the spiritual blessings are beyond comprehension and last for all eternity. LORD JESUS, let our hearts overflow with thanksgiving, as we fix our eyes on all that is good and pure and lovely. All gifts from your hand!
God bless you more and more, Mike!
What a wonderful post!
So much good comes out of what we call “bad,” too much to mention here, but I love to stop and think of how good God is to me, everything He’s given me and done for me over the many years.
Just look around you!
Amen, Chebba! God is always moving in ways to bring people closer to Himself. The greatest gift He can give! May we have eyes to see and hearts that are filled with thanksgiving! He is a good, good Father! God bless you!
God doesn’t waste anything. He has a purpose for it all. God bless.
That’s the truth, Nancy. Though we may not prefer the suffering and hard times, God uses it all for His good. God bless!
Wonderful message Melissa. Out of your list, I am so thankful for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Thanks for sharing
Yvonne, your words touch my heart! I am thankful for my brothers and sisters in Christ, too. And you are one of those sweet blessings!
I thank God for his abundance of blessings. If I take the time I can thank him continually. He is worthy.
Amen! He is worthy. Lord, help us notice all your blessings and thank you continually.
This is so good, Melissa. Your writing ALWAYS brings new, creative and thoughtful insight for me! I love the point about our citizenship being in heaven. Remembering that helps me remember to tune out the trappings of the world and stay centered on gratitude.
Thank you for the encouraging words, Jessica! I appreciate your kind support. You are right. When we “tune out the trappings of the world,” we remember that God is on the throne and we of His kingdom. That heavenly vision brings gratitude for our place in the family of God, even if everything around us is falling apart. God bless you and yours!
Needed this today. Thanks and God bless
Thank you for stopping by to read and comment, Nancy! In Christ, we have endless reasons to rejoice. Bless you!