Thanks Anway

November 16, 2025

Dr. Paul Cannings

I must admit, I have often wondered, “How can God instruct a person to always give
thanks?” After all, He tells us that we will face trials (James 1:2–4), tribulation (John
16:33), fiery ordeals (1 Peter 1:6–7), and spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12). Yet in the
midst of these, He not only instructs us to give thanks, but He also commands us to
rejoice (Philippians 4:4; 1 Peter 1:6). He even takes it further—He tells us to “be anxious
for nothing” (Philippians 4:6). Just in case we missed it, He said nothing.
So how can God expect us to give thanks when He Himself allows these challenges?
This is the same kind of question Job might have asked. Despite living a righteous life,
Job endured unimaginable suffering. But rather than answering Job’s “why,” God asked
Job His own questions:
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have
understanding, Who set its measurements? … Have you entered into the springs of the
sea or walked in the recesses of the deep? … Have you understood the expanse of the
earth? Tell Me, if you know all this.” (Job 38:4–5, 16–18)
And again,
Then the Lord said to Job, “Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who
reproves God answer it.” (Job 40:1–2)
The heart of these questions points back to trust. The answer to how we can give
thanks lies in what we believe about God.
Do we believe that the Lord reigns and is always in control? (Psalm 93:1)
Do we believe that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love
Him and obey His purposes? (Romans 8:28)
Do we believe that nothing can separate us from His love? (Romans 8:38–39)
Do we believe that, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who
loved us? (Romans 8:37)
If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)
Do we believe that He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world? (1 John 4:4)
Do we trust that, even in spiritual warfare, He equips us with His armor? (Ephesians
6:12–17)
And do we believe that He will never allow us to face more than we can bear, but will
always provide a way of escape? (1 Corinthians 10:13)
When we believe these truths—truly believe them—our hearts begin to find gratitude
even in difficulty. This mindset empowers us to be thankful in the midst of a chaotic
world (Philippians 2:14–16).

“The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;
Let the many islands be glad.”
(Psalm 97:1, NASB)
And as Paul reminds us:
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is
pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if
anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things… and the God of peace will be with
you.”
(Philippians 4:8–9, NASB)