When Giving Thanks Is Hard: A Thanksgiving Message of Hope

Today’s message is a special Thanksgiving reflection, “When Giving Thanks Is Hard,” reminding us that we may not want to thank God for the pain we sometimes suffer but, that, we can still thank Him for what He has done through the pain.

Many of us have walked through hardship, loss, fear, or uncertainty. And yet Scripture calls us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” How do we do that honestly? How do we worship with gratitude when life feels heavy?

Today’s message helps us understand:

• How Scripture teaches us to give thanks in all circumstances

• Why gratitude is rooted in trust, not ease

• How God works good even from pain (Rom. 8:28)

• Why worship matters even in sorrow

• How David, Asaph, and Paul modeled honest struggle + sincere thanksgiving

SCRIPTURE

• 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

• Romans 8:28

• Psalm 13, Psalm 77, Psalm 116

• Psalm 100

If your heart feels overwhelmed, tired, or unsure today… this message is for you.

You can give thanks — not because life is easy, but because God is faithful, present, and good.

“Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’ Let the poor say, ‘I am rich,’ because of what the Lord has done.”

Give thanks today — not because circumstances make sense, but because Christ is enough.