During a difficult season of life, November can be a hard month. It can be difficult because instead of feeling thankful, you might feel broken or lonely.
Three years ago, a couple days before Thanksgiving, I miscarried for the fourth time. I remember eating dinner that day and trying to be thankful…but feeling angry and depressed instead.
What I failed to see then, but understand now, is that there are still many reasons to be thankful, even when life is hard.
3 Reasons to Be Thankful, Even When Life Is Hard:
- We can be thankful because even when life is hard, God is still good. Click to tweet this.
God’s goodness is not determined by our circumstances. God’s goodness is determined by His character. (Click to tweet this.)
There have been times when I have questioned God’s goodness because of my situation. I’ve wondered how a good God could allow such a bad thing into my life.
What I finally had to do was accept that what the Bible says is true. When the Bible says God is good, we can believe it even when our circumstances might suggest otherwise.
Feelings can be fickle. They can change easily. God’s word, on the other hand, is unchanging.
So even when life is bad, the Bible is clear that our God is good.
- We can be thankful because even when life is hard, there’s something to be thankful for.
It’s so easy to become consumed by loss and pain. It’s easy to focus only on the problem, especially when the problem feels so huge.
In reality, though, even though the problem might be devastating, there is always something to be thankful for. (Click to tweet this.)
For a long time, I neglected to see the blessings in my life because I focused too much on the struggles. Please don’t make the same mistake I did.
Don’t fixate on the problem so much that it prevents you from seeing the good things in your life.
There are good things. You might just have to look a little harder to find them right now.
- We can be thankful because even when life is hard, we are guaranteed a life someday that will be free of pain and suffering.
We aren’t promised a life of ease. (There are a lot of verses that actually promise the opposite, but that’s a different post for another day). What we are promised is an eternity that is free of pain, suffering, and tears.
So even if your today feels harder than you can bear, look forward to the tomorrow that promises to be free of tears and heartache.
We can be thankful today because we know our tomorrow holds promise.
Let’s chat: why else can we be thankful, even when life is hard?
Good morning Lindsay. Although I have not had your experience I can appreciate the courage you have in sharing your story. As painful as it is to lose a baby rest assured that your little ones are sleeping in Jesus until the rapture. I write this because it is life events such as yours that remind me to be thankful each and every day for the wonderful blessings our Lord showers us with. This is not to say that I have never had painful events of my own… in some ways much more than my share. Even as I love a husband who has health issues that could cause him to pass unexpectedly any time or he could live a full life I am grateful that his health has improved with diligent attention to every aspect, from food choices to eating at the right time of day in the right amounts- to taking his meds and complying strictly to doctors orders. I ask the Lord everyday to remind me to pray for him and for us and to pray for those around me who are struggling through this life where satan rules for now. Just remember who is on our side and we know who wins in the end. Thank you for sharing your strength in difficulty. God bless you and your family. Your sister in Christ.
Thanks so much for sharing your story, Nancy. And for your words of encouragement. Blessings to you.
Struggle and hardships can teach us lessons, bring perspective and grow our empathy. For that I am thankful.
Very true, Diane. Praying for you.