Thankful in Hard Times - LaQuenda Jackson

Can we be grateful when things aren’t going our way?

It’s the holiday season, the season of parties, overflowing plates, and plenty of good laughs with family and friends. Every weekend is filled with the chance to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

But for some, this time of the year can be the catalyst for feelings of depression and doubt. It can be a stark reminder of things lost. The sights and sounds of families enjoying each other can bring to mind the people in our lives who are gone.

The bible says, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” If you’re like me, that’s easier said than done.

My mom passed away in 2014, a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving. We weren’t on the best of terms at the time of her death, so the holidays are a little bittersweet for me. The things that used to drive me crazy about her are the things I miss the most. She was ornery, argumentative, and sometimes downright mean. But she was also hilarious, always the life of the party, and the most loyal friend you could find. Knowing that she is gone and that I can’t repair the relationship troubles my heart on many a day, but none more than the holidays.

But God has instructions for us when times seem challenging. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” He understands that whether it be the holidays are any other time of year, challenges will come. The answer to this and virtually every challenging situation is to pray. God says to pray continually, in all things, because it’s His will. Through prayer, God reveals that the challenges, the hard times, are lessons that pave the way to a better relationship through Jesus Christ. For that, we should be thankful. His grace and mercy are always with us. For that, we should be thankful. He is working things out for our good, even when we don’t know it. For that, we should be thankful.

So even if the holidays aren’t the merriest of times for you. Don’t fret. Be thankful for the good and the bad. God has something in store for you. Just pray and believe.