Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you” when life is good—it’s a posture of the heart, a way of seeing the world even when things aren’t going our way. The Amplified Bible tells us, “In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, AMP). Gratitude isn’t dependent on how we feel—it’s a decision to trust that God is working all things together for good, even when we don’t understand it (Romans 8:28, AMP).

Billy Graham often said, “We should thank God for what we have, but trust Him for what we need.” Gratitude is not a denial of reality. It’s not about pretending that life is perfect or ignoring the hard moments. It’s about choosing to be thankful in the middle of the storm, knowing that God is faithful and will never abandon us. Jesus Himself promised, “I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance], even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20, AMP).

Gratitude shifts our hearts from fear to faith and from worry to worship. The psalmist reminds us to “Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name” (Psalm 100:4, AMP). Gratitude opens the door to God’s peace, allowing us to experience His presence even in our darkest hours. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts... and be thankful [to God always]” (Colossians 3:15, AMP).

But let’s be honest—sometimes life hands us disappointment after disappointment. The grind, the setbacks, the heartache—it’s easy to get stuck asking, “Why me?” But here’s the truth: If life keeps handing you the same struggles, maybe it’s time to learn something from them. Graham believed that gratitude unlocks the power of joy, teaching us to focus on God’s blessings rather than life’s burdens. He once said, “Nothing will do more to restore contentment and the joy of our salvation than a true spirit of thankfulness.”

The wisdom of the Hávamál teaches that experience is the source of true understanding, and only a fool believes they know everything without it. Every trial we face is like a rune carved into the path of life—meant to shape us, teach us, and prepare us for what’s next. The Edda reminds us that our scars are not just for ourselves; they become maps that guide others through the same storms we’ve survived. The hardships we overcome become a testimony of God’s grace, not just for us, but for others who are still finding their way.

Graham reminded us that gratitude isn’t blind positivity—it’s resilience. It’s the wisdom to embrace both joy and sorrow, trusting that every season serves a purpose in God’s plan. As Paul said, “[God’s] grace is sufficient [for you]” (2 Corinthians 12:9, AMP). When we learn to be grateful, even for the challenges, we discover strength we never knew we had. And when the weight of life becomes too heavy to bear, Graham encouraged us to reach out to others, saying, “There is always someone who has walked through the same valley who can help you through yours.”

Gratitude teaches us to live fully in the present, knowing that our time here is limited. None of us knows how many moments we have left, but each one matters. Every experience—whether joyful or painful—reveals something about who we are and who God is calling us to become. When we live with gratitude, we learn to walk in faith, trusting that God’s purposes will unfold in His perfect timing.

So, what is gratitude? It’s not just an emotion or a polite response—it’s a spiritual practice that transforms the way we live. It’s choosing to see God’s hand in every circumstance and believing that He is good, even when life is hard. As Graham said, “Gratitude is the overflow of a heart that is in tune with God.” When we live with grateful hearts, we not only experience joy and peace—we become a light to others, a reflection of God’s love in a world that desperately needs hope.

Today, let’s take a moment to thank God—not just for the blessings we can see, but for His presence in every moment of our lives. And when life feels overwhelming, let’s remember that gratitude is the key to unlocking God’s peace and joy. It’s not about what we have or don’t have—it’s about who God is and who we are becoming in Him.

Wisdom in the Struggle

In today’s world, we’re often told to be grateful for what we have, but let’s be real—sometimes life just sucks. The grind, the setbacks, the heartache—none of it feels like something to be thankful for in the moment. But here’s the deal: if life keeps handing you the same crap, maybe it’s time to learn something from it. As Billy Graham once said, “Mountaintops are for views and inspiration, but fruit is grown in the valleys.” The trials you face aren’t random—they’re tools God can use to shape you into something greater.

The people who survived the toughest times didn’t get there by wishing their situation was different; they got there by facing the ugly truth and figuring out what it had to teach them. It’s not about pretending life is great when it’s not—it’s about knowing that God gives us the power to overcome. If you’re stuck, reach out to someone who’s already climbed out of the pit. They’ve been where you are, and their wisdom is worth more than the motivational quote you saw on social media this morning. As Graham often reminded us, God places people in our path to help carry our burdens.

There’s a drive in all of us to cling to life as if we’ll live forever, but the truth is—our time here is limited, and none of us knows how much of it we have left. Each moment, each trial, is like a rune carved on the path of life, meant to teach us something about who we are, something unique that no one else can carry for us. As the Hávamál says, “Wisdom is won through experience, and only a fool thinks they know all without it.” Reverend Graham believed that even in suffering, God’s purpose is unfolding. You may not see it now, but each hardship is building a stronger faith within you.

Instead of falling into the trap of “Why me?” or wallowing in self-pity, look deeper. Is the struggle you face now a lesson meant to sharpen you—or perhaps one meant to guide others? The Edda teaches us that our strength is tested not only for ourselves but for those around us. Sometimes, our scars are the map that others will follow, finding their way through the same storms we’ve survived. Graham often said, “Courage is contagious. When a brave person takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.”

Be grateful for every experience in life, but don’t sugarcoat it. The Finnish tradition teaches us that true resilience is not blind positivity, but the wisdom to embrace both joy and hardship. Let the hardships shape you into someone who could stand by your own side during your weakest moments. And when the weight is too heavy, don’t hesitate to reach out. There’s always a soul with the wisdom of the old ways who can help you navigate the darkness. You might be surprised what strength awaits at the end of the journey.

Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, AMP). That rest isn’t just physical; it’s the peace of knowing that God’s plan is unfolding, even in your struggle. The strength you’re looking for is not far away—it’s within reach. And when you reach the end of your journey, you’ll find that the God who walked with you through the valley has made you stronger than you ever imagined.