What can I thank God for in difficult times?

Genesis 50:19-20Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”

2 Chronicles 32:7“Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side!”

Life can be difficult for many reasons. We may experience the consequences of our own sin; we may suffer because of someone else’s sin; we may be caught in circumstances that are no one’s fault but are nonetheless unfortunate. In any of these tough circumstances, there is a reason to thank God. He promises to help us through tough times, and he redeems our mistakes, teaches us wisdom through adversity, and brings salvation even out of profound tragedy. A God who redeems all trouble is a God worthy of our praise and thanksgiving.

1 Chronicles 16:34Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

Psalm 7:17I will thank the Lord because he is just; I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

Psalm 138:2I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.

1 Corinthians 15:57Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 9:15Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!

Ephesians 2:8God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.

1 Timothy 1:12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him.

1 Thessalonians 5:18Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

We can thank God for being good and just, and we can thank him for his unchanging, perfect character. We can thank him for keeping his promises. We can thank him also for his mercy, for his faithfulness, and for his love for us. Most of all, we can thank him for sending his Son Jesus to pay the price for our sins so we can live eternally with him.