Why should I thank God? My life is horrible. Learn how to stay grateful and grounded despite life's challenges.

[0:00] Intro

[0:45] Thanking God despite challenges

[4:00] Compassion for pain

[11:00] Avoid false narratives

Bible Verses:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Numbers 13:33

Life’s struggles can make it difficult to want to thank God.

Sometimes the stories we tell ourselves and the narratives we create in our minds, make it even more challenging. We tend to look at other people’s lives with rose colored glasses. It even happened in the Bible. In Genesis, Adam and Eve questioned God.

We also have examples of people in the Bible who chose to trust God in the midst of trials. Joseph, who was sold into slavery and imprisoned, remained faithful to God. The Hebrew boys thrown into the fiery furnace and John the Baptist, who lost his head for preaching God's word, are also examples of faith in difficult circumstances. Jeremiah and the Apostle Paul faced hardships but remained steadfast in their faith.

I’m not suggesting that thanking God in bad circumstances is easy.

We should have compassion for people who are struggling and understand the broader perspective of God's faithfulness in difficult situations. Unfortunately, people will experience pain in their lives. However, God is in control and has a plan, even if it is not always clear.

“God is responsible for the fact of freedom but not the acts of freedom.”

God is trustworthy. We can give thanks in all circumstances, not necessarily for the situation itself but for God's presence and control. It takes looking beyond our current circumstances and seeing God's hand at work. We can always be grateful because God is faithful, even if we don't feel it or see it.

Action steps:

Have courage and trust that God will never leave you nor forsake you.

Focus on God's character rather than your circumstances.

Avoid telling yourself false narratives about God.