Gratitude in the Midst of Trials

March 3rd, 2025
by Dr. Josh Franklin

Scripture: "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)

I love the story of Matthew Henry, the great Bible commentator. One day, he was robbed. Now, most of us would grumble, complain, or even despair in a situation like that. But not Matthew Henry. Instead, he sat down and wrote four reasons why he could still be grateful:

This was the first time he’d ever been robbed.
The thief took his wallet, not his life.
He didn’t have much money to begin with, so the thief didn’t take much.
He was grateful to be the one robbed, not the robber.

Isn’t that incredible? Instead of focusing on what he lost, he chose to focus on what he still had and how God had been faithful to him.

Psalm 103 also calls us to gratitude: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” We are so quick to forget all the ways God has been good to us. The psalmist even commands his own soul to bless the Lord! Why? Because gratitude changes our perspective.

There’s another story I love about a man in church who stood up during a testimony time. He said, “I only have two teeth left in my mouth—one on the top and one on the bottom. But I thank God that they meet!” Isn’t that a picture of gratitude?

Friend, you can always find something to grumble about, but you can also choose to see the blessings God has poured into your life. Like Matthew Henry, take a moment to reflect on what you still have and how God has carried you through. He has been faithful, and He always will be.

Reflection Question: What specific blessings can you thank God for today, even in the midst of difficulty?

Dear Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness in every season. Teach me to have a heart of gratitude, even when life is hard. Help me to remember that You have been good to me and that Your blessings are always greater than my trials. In Jesus’ name, amen.

From: "Standing on the Promises": https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/36zxsxp/6-standing-on-the-promises