“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV)
Last year, I scoured the internet looking for used books about persecuted Christians throughout history. I’d been listening to The Voice of the Martyrs podcast and wanted to learn more about believers who’d endured suffering for the sake of Christ. After months of devouring their stories, I put the books away, troubled by what I’d read. The heart-wrenching narratives caused me to question, “Lord, why is suffering allowed, and what should be our response?”
The answer, of course, is found in the Scriptures, as we recount Job’s humility in suffering. Job 1:20-21 says, “At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.’”
In this passage, we see how gratitude was an active decision in the face of immense suffering. And as I reflect on the stories of the persecuted, I marvel at the resilient faith of those who not only endured hardship but remained grateful in the midst of it.
Though suffering is difficult to understand, this I know for sure: Gratefulness somehow lifts the crushing weight of adversity and allows moments of respite. It shifts our focus from our unbearable burden to the gentle yoke of Christ. And, it exemplifies our loyalty to the God who loves us.
If you are navigating a challenging chapter in life, here are powerful ways to practice gratefulness amid suffering:
Let It Become a Discipline
Gratitude doesn’t usually accompany suffering because our emotions are often held captive by grief and pain. Yet, the discipline of gratitude keeps our heads above water, similar to a life raft in turbulent waves.
-When grief feels overwhelming, we praise the God of all comfort.
-When physical pain is present, we thank God for the relief to come.
-When depression settles in, we are grateful for the joy of His strength.
Gratitude is a discipline that becomes a habit, which in turn becomes a lifestyle. As Mary Southerland writes, “I believe gratitude is a lost art, a spiritual discipline we often ignore. And yet, gratitude is essential to keep our hearts full and our lives on track.”
Just as physical exercise strengthens our body for greater mobility, gratefulness strengthens our soul for greater peace. Amid suffering, decide to practice gratitude, allowing the discipline to become a life-long habit. Soon, you’ll see the results of deeper joy and unexplained peace.
Lord, please make gratitude an integral part of my life so that praising You in all things becomes my first response. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Let It Be Your Heart’s Devotion
The word “devotion” means loyalty or commitment to someone or something. Committing to gratefulness is like saying to God, “I am thankful to You no matter what. I will remain devoted to You in all things.” This follows 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Amid suffering, we aren’t thanking the Lord “for” the pain but “in and through” the pain. He fully understands our humanity while lovingly desiring our loyalty. And from our devotion, we reap the benefits of closer communion with the Father.
In the article, Why Being Thankful Is a Powerful Way to Live Free, Debbie McDaniel writes, “With a heart of thanksgiving, we realize that no matter what we face, God doesn’t just work to change our situations and help us through our problems. He does more. He changes our hearts. His power, through hearts of gratitude and focused minds on Him, releases the grip our struggles have over us. We’re strengthened by His peace, refueled by His joy.”
Let gratefulness become an assignment written on your heart in sincere devotion to God. Along with it, expect greater things. Oh, how the Lord loves you even amid suffering! Please don’t let the enemy convince you otherwise. Turn to God, the center of all good things, and devote your praise to His glorious name!
Lord, I commit my heart to You, offering gratitude amid suffering. I trust You to carry me through, equipping me for the journey ahead. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.
Let It Lead You to Deliverance
There’s an old song by Michael Card called The Gentle Healer. The first stanza says:
“The Gentle Healer came into our town today
He touched blind eyes and the darkness left to stay
But more than the blindness, He took their sins away
The Gentle Healer came into our town today.”
I love the imagery of this chorus, painting a picture of our gentle Savior healing and delivering with just one touch. Could it be that gratefulness amid suffering is like reaching for the loving hand of Jesus? James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” Gratefulness is a beautiful way to draw near to the One who heals.
In Psalm 69:29-30, David said, “But as for me, afflicted and in pain—may your salvation, God, protect me. I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.”
I’m deeply humbled by the far-reaching grace of God, breaking through dark clouds of suffering with rays of light and hope. He is our deliverer and strong refuge in times of trouble. One tiny whisper of honest praise rises like incense before His throne, and He comforts us with a return whisper, saying, “I am with you.”
My friend, let gratefulness lead you to a place of deliverance—deliverance from fear, overwhelm, and despair. With open hands, receive the abundant blessings God has for you. As Paul said in Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
God’s got this. He’s got you. His promise is to meet all your needs, even amid suffering. Gratefulness might seem fruitless in the middle of pain, but it’s actually a fortifying act of trust and faithfulness that strengthens our weary frame.
Psalm 28:6-9 says, “Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.”
Suffering is difficult to understand and even more difficult to endure, but with gratefulness as a discipline, we are devoting our praise to the One who is able to deliver us from every injury—heart, mind, and body.
Lord, You are the gentle Healer, able to to deliver me from this present suffering. Will You deliver me, Lord? Will You extend Your mercy to me today? I love You and trust You, offering thanks and praise always, in Jesus’ precious name, amen.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/AaronAmat
