By Amanda Easterling

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Oftentimes It’s easy to feel grateful when life is good - When God is answering and the doors are opening - but true Gratitude is so much richer than an emotion or a favorable circumstance. It’s a foundational mindset that persists when life gets hard, when we’re surrounded with confusion or in the midst of pain and grief. 

We talk a lot about gratitude during this season but the simple truth is it’s not meant to be seasonal. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 The Word says “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ALL circumstances - not just when things are going our way. 

It is through some of the hardest times in my life that God has done the greatest work on me. Often when life doesn’t go the way we expected, it may just be God’s way of teaching us patience, trust and reliance on him - or He may be trying to prepare us for what He has next. 

Is there a moment or season in your life when you really struggled and later realized that God was guiding you through it for a specific purpose? Sometimes what feels like a setback in the moment can be a setup for healing and growth. Gratitude opens our eyes to see God working even when we don’t understand His plan.

Let’s choose gratitude not just during this season, but in every season. Not just when things are going our way but even when they don't turn out how we expected. Remember to thank God for His faithfulness and guidance. Even when life is the darkest, He is still in control. God is always working for our good.