Beyond the Blessings
Count your blessings. Name them one by one. But, do you really count all your blessings?
It’s easy to count the good blessings. We can easily start a list of all the good things God has given us. Our lists will fill up quickly with family, friends, shelter, finances, and provision.
Don’t misunderstand. Being thankful for these gifts is important. But what about the parts of life that aren’t as welcome? Can we learn to give thanks not only for the smooth parts of life’s journey, but for the bumps as well?
As we enter Thanksgiving, gratitude is in the air. We bow our heads and thank God for the bounty in front of us, for the laughter of our kids, and for the job that keeps the lights on. This season gives us a beautiful opportunity to stop, to say “thank you.”
But what if our gratitude didn’t end there? What if, instead of just thanking God for the gifts we enjoy, we also thanked Him for the trials, the setbacks, and even the disappointments?
1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” Notice that Paul didn’t say, “give thanks for the good times.” No, he said, “in all circumstances.” That means learning to be grateful even when life takes an unexpected turn.
It’s easy to be thankful when times are good. But the true test of gratitude comes when the road gets rough. Imagine giving thanks in times of heartache, financial strain, illness, or failure. It feels counterintuitive, doesn’t it? And yet, that’s exactly what we’re invited to do.
This isn’t because God wants us to pretend life’s hardships don’t hurt. It’s because He knows those struggles have the power to change us in ways that comfort never could.
The trials of life are like the furnace that purifies gold. The fire removes the impurities and imperfections. It burns away everything which doesn’t belong.
God allows us to go through difficult seasons to refine and strengthen us. In these times, we come face to face with our limitations and discover a new depth of trust in God.
When we’re brought to our knees, we find the power of prayer.
When doors close, we remember that God holds the key.
And when answers don’t come the way we expect, we learn that His plans are higher than ours.
These tough times mature our faith, deepen our compassion, and expand our reliance on God. We might be tempted to only thank God for green pastures, but it’s in the valleys where we grow and truly get to know Him. Valleys teach us patience, persistence, and resilience. And they remind us that, even in the shadows, God is with us, walking every step of the way.
So, this Thanksgiving, let’s do something bold. Let’s thank God not only for the good times, but also for the hard times too. And recognize that both joy and hardship are perfectly woven into God’s plan.