Psalm 22 Being Thankful When its Hard to be Grateful
Jeremy Skaggs   -   November 4, 2024

The path of Christianity is not always an easy one to walk. The teachings of Jesus present profound ethical challenges that often stand in stark contrast to our modern culture. We’re called to

  • love our enemies,
  • practice forgiveness even when it’s difficult,
  • embrace humility, and
  • serve others selflessly
  • maintain sexual purity in a world that glorifies promiscuity, and
  • to love sacrificially in a society that prioritizes self-interest
  • focus on eternal values rather than temporary, worldly concerns.

But perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of the Christian walk is how we handle despair and discouragement. Even in our darkest seasons, we are called to give thanks. This expectation can seem almost impossible when we’re facing trials and tribulations.

Yet, scripture is clear on this matter:

  • “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2)
  • “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.” (1 Peter 1:6)
  • “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings…” (Romans 5:3)
  • “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)
  • “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

These verses can be comforting when life is going well, but how do we give thanks

  • When our faith is challenged?
  • When we’re overwhelmed?
  • When we receive bad news?
  • When we can’t shake off the heaviness that weighs on our hearts?

It’s crucial to recognize that acknowledging our true feelings can be more of an act of faith than hiding behind comforting but potentially damaging slogans.

Phrases like:
  • “Just pray about it, you’ll be alright” or
  • “Everything happens for a reason”

might offer temporary solace, but they can also invalidate the very real struggles we face.

Psalm 22 provides a powerful example of a believer grappling with the contradiction between their theology and their lived experience. The psalmist begins with a heart-wrenching cry:

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.”
These words resonate deeply with anyone who has felt abandoned by God in their darkest hour. The psalmist doesn’t shy away from expressing their pain and confusion. They feel forsaken, scorned, and despised. They describe themselves as a worm, not even a man, mocked by all who see them.Yet, even in this depth of despair, the psalmist remembers God’s faithfulness:

“Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.”
This tension between feeling abandoned and remembering God’s faithfulness is at the heart of the Christian experience of suffering. It’s a raw, honest portrayal of faith in crisis.As the psalm progresses, we see a gradual shift. The psalmist moves from despair to determination, from feeling forsaken to proclaiming God’s goodness:

“I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you… The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.”
This progression offers us a roadmap for finding gratitude in difficult times:
1. Approach God with Disappointment: It’s okay to express your displeasure concerning His plans. God can handle our honest emotions, even our anger and frustration.
2. Acknowledge Your Difficulties: Recognize when you feel overwhelmed and alone. Naming our struggles is the first step in addressing them.
3. Draw near to God: Don’t hesitate to reconnect, even when you feel that divine distance. Sometimes, the act of reaching out to God can itself be an act of faith.
4. Dare to Dream: Focus on what will be. Cultivate thankfulness by dreaming of future blessings, not just current circumstances.
This process isn’t about denying our pain or forcing ourselves to feel happy when we’re not. Instead, it’s about holding two truths simultaneously: the reality of our current suffering and the hope of God’s faithful love.As we navigate the complexities of life as Christians, we must remember that our faith doesn’t promise an easy life. It promises a meaningful one, guided by eternal truths and sustained by divine love.

We’re called to be thankful not because everything is perfect, but because we serve a God who is present in our pain, who uses our struggles to shape us, and who promises ultimate redemption.

In the words of the psalmist, even when we feel like we’re in the dust of death, we can still proclaim: “Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done.”

This journey from despair to gratitude is not a one-time event, but a continual process. It’s a daily choice to trust in God’s goodness, even when we can’t see it. It’s a decision to praise, even when our circumstances tempt us to curse. It’s an act of faith to give thanks, even when gratitude feels impossible.

As we face our own trials and tribulations, may we find the courage to be honest with God about our pain, the strength to remember His faithfulness, and the hope to look forward to His future blessings. In doing so, we may discover a deeper, more resilient faith – one that can give thanks in all circumstances, not because life is easy, but because God is good.