Is It Difficult To Be Thankful?

Reflecting on my own past, I think there were times when it was difficult to be thankful.

When comparing myself to others: I wanted to possess things my friends had; to make as much money as I perceived they did; to have the influence, position, opportunities, health, good looks as I perceived they had. My problem: lack of contentment. When a person lacks contentment, it is difficult to be thankful.

Yet, the Apostle Paul wrote that he had

• experienced prosperity and humble means,
• felt hunger and felt fullness,
• lived in abundance and suffered need.

He did not say that he learned how to be content, but that he learned to be content. Contentment is a choice and his contentment was based on faith:

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 

 —Philippians 4:13

Difficult Circumstances: People sometimes quip, “Well, things could be worse.” While that is probably true in many (most?) cases, it is rarely helpful when difficulties arise. When people go through difficulties, there is generally some kind of pain or discomfort. It might be physical, emotional, or spiritual. Whatever the specific difficulty might be, it hurts. When a person is hurting, it is difficult to be thankful, even if it could be worse. Yet, Paul encouraged:

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. 

—2 Corinthians 4:17

Paul went on to say that we do not focus on the things that are seen, our difficulties, but things which are not seen, our hope of eternal life.

Selfishness: Thankfulness is an attitude expressing gladness and appreciation for someone, something or one’s circumstances. In general, people are thankful when they receive something they value in some way. They are thankful when things go their way. In contrast, selfishness is the attitude of fixating on one’s self. Selfishness often turns into disappointment or anger when things do not work out to a person’s satisfaction. When a person is filled with self love, it is difficult to be thankful.

Yet, Paul remembered the words of Jesus:

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” 

—Acts 20:35

By his own example Jesus showed that:

The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…. 

—Mark 10:45

Apathy: Some people find it difficult to give thanks because they simply are not glad or appreciative. They just don’t care. Apathy is a close cousin to selfishness. Apathy often appears when there is little energy left for anger.

Apathy is not uncommon in the life of a person who believes that no one cares for him/her. Where apathy reigns, thankfulness is difficult.

The Psalmist believed that no one cared for him (Psalm 142). Yet, he found comfort in God. The Apostle Peter offered encouragement to the one who is apathetic through a call to humility…

Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 

—1 Peter 5:7

When you focus on yourself, it can be difficult to be thankful. But when you focus on God and your eyes are set on the promised hope of eternal life, how can you not be thankful!?

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Mark Stinnett

November 21, 2021