Question:
How can I be thankful when everything is so bad?
Answer:
Illness and death, grief and loneliness. Loss of a job and bills to pay. Violence, crime, hatred, crises, wars, and disasters. Temptation and trial. How is it possible, even for a moment, to be thankful in this world?
All evil is brought about by Satan. And while God allows hardships, misfortune, and trials to strengthen our faith and characters, He does not forsake us, providing the strength to bear the task, to carry the load.
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man … but with the temptation will also make the way of escape that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
“Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. … His heart of love is touched by our sorrows and even by our utterances of them. Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. … Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice.” Steps to Christ, 100
“Never allow Satan to discourage you. Trust yourself … in the hands of God. … [C]ommit the keeping of your soul to God. Depend in all that you do on the Holy Spirit, for He is our strength, our efficiency.” This Day With God, 22
“Educate the soul to cheerfulness, to thankfulness, and to the expression of gratitude to God for the great love wherewith He hath loved us. …. Christian cheerfulness is the very beauty of holiness.” Sons and Daughters of God, 168
“Of all things that are sought, cherished, and cultivated, there is nothing so valuable in the sight of God as a pure heart, a disposition imbued with thankfulness and peace.” Testimonies, Vol. 4, 559
“Praise the Lord, O my soul! While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have any being. … Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” Psalm 146:1, last part, 2, 5