Philippians: 6 Ways to Thank God in Tough Times

Philippians: 6 Ways to Thank God in Tough Times
Monday, November 18, 2024 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?

Comments

MAUREEN From ALBANY ny At 8/11/2025 4:09:05 PM

This is a fantastic list of how we can be grateful in the storm! Thanks! On the Potter's Wheel, Maureen Lewicki [email protected] https://ioncewaslostandfoundblog.wordpress.com/ Instagram: Maureen_Lewicki_author

Reply by: Melissa McLaughlin

Thank you, Maureen, for stopping by and offering a word of encouragement! May we always have eyes to see His blessings, even in the storm. God bless you!

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