“…count it all joy when you fall into various trials” – James 1:2 (NKJV)
Fr. Stavros N. Akrotirianakis beautifully captures the profound relationship between gratitude and thanksgiving. It distinguishes between an inward attitude of gratitude and the outward expression of thanksgiving, highlighting how one naturally flows into the other. The idea that “thanksgiving is gratitude in action” is particularly powerful. It’s one thing to feel grateful internally, but it’s another thing entirely to live that gratitude out in how we treat others and honour the Giver of our blessings, God.
When faced with extraordinary challenges, it can be difficult to feel thankful. Life can sometimes be overwhelming, and our circumstances might seem too heavy to bear. Yet, as the Scriptures remind us, gratitude is not dependent on the absence of difficulty but rather on recognising God’s presence, even amid trials.
In fact, it’s precisely in the challenges of life that gratitude becomes even more significant as confirmed in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) which says: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Here, Apostle Paul encourages us to give thanks in all circumstances – whether joyful or sorrowful – because gratitude doesn’t just acknowledge the blessings we receive but also the ways in which God sustains us. Thanksgiving is not just about celebrating when things are good; it’s about recognising God’s faithfulness through every season, including the hard ones.
The Book of Esther provides a profound example of this kind of gratitude. Esther and the Jewish people gave thanks to God for their deliverance, not just by celebrating with feasts and giving gifts but also by acknowledging that their very lives were spared due to God’s providential care. Their Thanksgiving was not simply a reaction to a favourable turn of events but a profound recognition of God’s goodness and faithfulness.
Even when life is difficult, having a heart of gratitude means choosing to focus on God’s presence, His love, and His faithfulness. This attitude can be transformative, helping us move from a place of despair to one of hope, peace, and joy. As Fr. Stavros N. Akrotirianakis says, “Thanksgiving is an outward display of joy shown in loving action.”
Psalm 34:1 (NKJV) says, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” It doesn’t say, “I will bless the Lord when things are going well,” but “at all times.” This is a deep expression of thanksgiving which acknowledges God’s goodness in abundance and recognises that God is worthy of praise no matter the circumstances.
Gratitude and Thanksgiving are, therefore, deeply intertwined, and in times of challenge, they become a powerful tool to realign our hearts and minds. Even in difficult times, we can give thanks to the Lord, trusting that His presence and love remain constant. By choosing to live with a heart of gratitude, we turn every moment – whether good or bad – into an opportunity to worship and share God’s love with those around us.
Read: Exodus 14:14; 1 Corinthians 2:9
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 125; Hebrews 12:1-13; Ezekiel 26; Ezekiel 27
