Hardly Thankful

Have you ever truly struggled with being grateful? I know I certainly have. There have been seasons where the idea of “giving thanks” came more with lament than it did joy. I struggled through those thoughts, but my heart’s desire to give thanks to Jesus in the midst of heartbreak and uncertainty felt almost nonexistent. 

I gave thanks, but my heart wasn’t in it. I joined in all the Thanksgiving traditions of saying what we’re most thankful for, but I heard my heart pray, “Are you still there, Jesus?” I believe we are all living in a time where the struggle of seeing Jesus within hardships—both in our own hearts and in those we love—will only get harder.

But, hallelujah! There is hope. I’ve consistently come back to Psalm 136 as I strive to focus on a heart overflowing with gratefulness this year. As the psalmist recounts God’s character and deeds, each time he proclaims, “…[God’s] steadfast love endures forever (ESV)!” The psalm reminds me that sometimes, God’s character is hard to accept, but his steadfast loves endures—stays the same—forever. Sometimes, the circumstances we go through make a lasting imprint on our hearts, but even then, “…His steadfast love endures forever.” 

Life changes swiftly. If we listen to our culture and the world around us, our thankfulness hinges on circumstances which are out of our control. Yet that’s simply not true. Yahweh’s love endures forever, through it all. He never changes.

No matter what life looks like for you this year, I pray you’re given time to ponder the greatest, unfathomably constant love of God. As you ponder the God behind Psalm 136, may your heart be filled with joy as you enter the Throne Room and give thanks.