Practically Applying Thanksgiving in Times of Difficulty Daily
Practically Applying Thanksgiving in Times of Difficulty
The practice of thanksgiving in times of difficulty is rooted in biblical teachings and has been a cornerstone of Christian devotion across various traditions. The apostle Paul's letters often begin with thanksgiving and prayer, setting an example for believers to follow [8]. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul instructs believers to "give thanks in everything" [6], a directive that has been interpreted as a call to cultivate a spirit of gratitude regardless of circumstances.
In times of affliction, the Bible encourages believers to turn to God in prayer and thanksgiving. The Psalms provide numerous examples of this, with psalmists expressing gratitude for God's deliverance and mercy [7]. For instance, Psalm 50:14 exhorts believers to "offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving" [1, 5]. This sacrifice is not limited to times of prosperity but is also expected during difficulties, as it acknowledges God's sovereignty and provision.
The early Christian fathers also emphasized the importance of thanksgiving in the face of adversity. John Chrysostom, an Eastern Orthodox father, interpreted Paul's instruction to "give thanks for everything" as a call to trust in God's providence, even when faced with challenges like disease or poverty [9]. This perspective is echoed in the writings of John Gill, a Baptist/Reformed commentator, who notes that thanksgiving is a "sacrifice" that is "well pleasing to God" when offered through Christ [7].
Practically applying thanksgiving in daily life involves several key practices. Believers are encouraged to maintain a consistent prayer life, giving thanks and seeking God's guidance and comfort [3]. This can involve expressing gratitude for specific blessings, acknowledging God's presence in times of trouble, and trusting in His faithfulness. The biblical examples and teachings underscore the importance of cultivating a spirit of thanksgiving, even in the midst of difficulties, as a means of deepening one's relationship with God and finding comfort in His presence.
The historical development of this doctrine is evident in the writings of early Christians and theologians, who saw thanksgiving as a vital aspect of the Christian life. By examining the biblical basis and traditional interpretations of thanksgiving, believers can gain a deeper understanding of how to apply this practice in their daily lives, even in times of difficulty [1, 2, 4].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Thanksgiving — Christ set an example of -- Mt 11:25; 26:27; Joh 6:11; 11:41. The heavenly host engaged in -- Re 4:9; 7:11,12; 11:16,17. Commanded -- Ps 50:14; Php 4:6. Is a good thing -- Ps 92:1. Should be offered To God. -- Ps 50:14. To Christ. -- 1Ti 1:12. Through Christ. -- Ro 1:8; Col 3:17; Heb 13:15. In the name of Christ. -- Eph 5:20. In behalf of ministers. -- 2Co 1:11. In private worship. -- Da 6:10. In public worship. -- Ps 35:18. In everything. -- 1Th 5:18. Upon the completion of great undertakings. -- Ne 12:31,40. Before taking food. -- Joh 6:11; Ac 27:35.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflicted, Duty Toward The — To pray for them -- Ac 12:5; Php 1:16,19; Jas 5:14-16. To sympathise with them -- Ro 12:15; Ga 6:2. To pity them -- Job 6:14. To bear them in mind -- Heb 13:3. To visit them -- Jas 1:27. To comfort them -- Job 16:5; 29:25; 2Co 1:4; 1Th 4:18. To relieve them -- Job 31:19,20; Isa 58:10; Php 4:14; 1Ti 5:10. To protect them -- Ps 82:3; Pr 22:22; 31:5.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Affliction, Prayer Under — Exhortation to -- Jas 5:13. That God would consider our trouble -- 2Ki 19:16; Ne 9:32; Ps 9:13; La 5:1. For the presence and support of God -- Ps 10:1; 102:2. That the Holy Spirit may not be withdrawn -- Ps 51:11. For divine comfort -- Ps 4:6; 119:76. For mitigation of troubles -- Ps 39:12,13. For deliverance -- Ps 25:17,22; 39:10; Isa 64:9-12; Jer 17:14. For pardon and deliverance from sin -- Ps 39:8; 51:1; 79:8. That we may be turned to God -- Ps 80:7; 85:4-6; Jer 31:18. For divine teaching and direction -- Job 34:32; Ps 27:11; 143:10. Fo”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions Made Beneficial — In promoting the glory of God -- Joh 9:1-3; 11:3,4; 21:18,19. In exhibiting the power and faithfulness of God -- Ps 34:19,20; 2Co 4:8-11. In teaching us the will of God -- Ps 119:71; Isa 26:9; Mic 6:9. In turning us to God -- De 4:30,31; Ne 1:8,9; Ps 78:34; Isa 10:20,21; Ho 2:6,7. In keeping us from again departing from God -- Job 34:31,32; Isa 10:20; Eze 14:10,11. In leading us to seek God in prayer -- Jdj 4:3; Jer 31:18; La 2:17-19; Ho 5:14,15; Jon 2:1. In convincing us of sin -- Job 36:8,9; Ps 119:67; Lu 15:16-18. In leading us to con”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 50:14: 50:14 Thankfulness means looking beyond self-interest to express gratitude for God’s blessings (see 51:15-17; 54:6). • True sacrifice requires offering one’s self to the glory of God (50:23; Rom 12:1-2).”
- 1 Thessalonians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Thessalonians 5:17: In everything give thanks,.... That is, to God the Father, in the name of Christ; see Eph 5:20 thanks are to be given to him for all things, as the Ethiopic version renders it; for all temporal good things; for our beings, the preservation of them; for food and raiment, and all the mercies of life; for the means of grace, the word and ordinances, and the ministers of the Gospel; for spiritual blessings, for electing, redeeming, regenerating, adopting, pardoning, justifying, and persevering grace: for a meetness for heaven, a right unto it, and a good hope of ”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 116:15: I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving,.... For deliverance from afflictions and death; for loosing his bonds, in every sense; for all mercies, temporal and spiritual; see Rom 6:17; Such sacrifices are according to the will of God; are well pleasing to him, when offered up through Christ, and in faith, and are a glorifying of him. These are more acceptable than all ceremonial sacrifices; and therefore the psalmist determined to offer this, and not them; and will call upon the name of the Lord; See Gill on Psa 116:13.”
- 2 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Timothy 1:3: 1:3-4 Thanksgiving and prayer are standard sections of Paul’s letters (e.g., Rom 1:8-12; Col 1:3-14; contrast Gal 1:6-10). 1:3 just as my ancestors did: See Phil 3:5; cp. Deut 6:4-9. • with a clear conscience: This might be in relation to heresy (see 2 Tim 2:17-18; see also 1 Tim 1:5) or to Paul’s previous legal self-defense (see Acts 23:1; 24:14-16).”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: of praise’ of ver. 19 , which is to take place audibly, as well as in the heart,—further and in particular, the ‘thanksgiving’ which the readers have always for all things to render to God.”—Meyer.—G.A.] he says, “for all things.” 139 What then? Are we to give thanks for everything that befalls us? Yes; be it even disease, be it even penury. For if a certain wise man gave this advice in the Old Testament, and said, “Whatsoever is brought upon thee take cheerfully, and be patient when thou art changed to a low estate” ( Ecclus. ii”