Saint Paul teaches us to express gratitude in all circumstances: “In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Whereas it seems fitting to thank God for our blessings, it seems illogical to thank God for our misfortunes. God is the source of all things good, so He naturally deserves our gratitude for the good. But why might we be thankful for evil? And why would we thank God for evil, knowing that He is not the author and source of it?
Upon closer inspection, we see that we are instructed to thank God in all circumstances, not necessarily for all circumstances. Although God does not create our struggles, He allows them to bring about a greater good. When we suffer something bad, it can become something good through God. “Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Times of adversity are opportunities for us to grow in faith. When we invite the Lord to help us, we change our mindset from feeling like we can’t to knowing that we can with God.
Today’s second reading reminds us that one of our great privileges as children of God is to reap the benefits of divine discipline (Hebrews 12:5-11). We learn the ways of God when we carry our crosses with Jesus. “Please let me know your ways so that, in knowing you, I may continue to find favor with you” (Exodus 33:13). Our character is conformed to the likeness of Christ when we endure our trials with his help. In that way, there is some truth to Friedrich Nietzsche’s expression that what does not kill us makes us stronger. In the words of Saint Paul: “I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Wonderous things are possible when we place our trust and faith in God. Expressing our heartfelt appreciation acknowledges God’s presence and orients our focus away from our selfish concerns. “For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Whatever hardships we face on this earth do not compare to the glory that is to come. “Amen, amen I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit” (John 12:24).
This week, consider how you can cultivate thankfulness as a disposition. Do you recognize when God gives you a special blessing? Do you remember to thank Him? Do you recall those special events the way you would celebrate a holiday? Do you keep yourself open to receive His grace?
Please also reflect on how you maintain your attitude of gratitude during difficult times. When you experience pain and loss, do you seek God’s assistance? After God helps you to achieve something great, do you maintain your appreciation despite setbacks? Do you thank Him for His steadfast love, His enduring grace, His comfort through the storm, His restorative solutions, His abundant generosity, who He is, and who He created you to be? When you feel you have nothing left to give, do you still give thanks?
Saint Paul summarizes why gratitude is deserved in good times and in bad times: “I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me” (Philippians 4:12-13).
