Finding Gratitude in the Wilderness: God’s Faithfulness in Hard Times

When life starts life-ing and we feel like we haven't caught a break in a long time, it can be hard to find things to be grateful for. Hard seasons can drain our energy and narrow our view until all we see are the problems in front of us. But even in the middle of our trials, God is always with us (Joshua 1:9).

Think about how God provided for and took care of the Israelites while they wandered in the desert for 40 years. They didn't have Thanksgiving back then, but I bet every year, the anniversary of the day they left Egypt was a taunting reminder that they were still not in the promised land. A reminder that probably made it hard for them to be thankful for God's provision. And yet... even through their doubt and their struggle to remain faithful, God was always with them.

When they were hungry, He fed them (Exodus 16:11-15). When they were thirsty, He gave them clean water to drink (Exodus 15:25). And even though they wandered in the desert for 40 years, their clothes and shoes did not wear out (Deuteronomy 29:5).

Like the Israelites, you may be feeling like God started you on a journey a long time ago, and you still have nothing to show for it. You may be feeling like you've been going in circles for too long, with no signs of the promised land in sight. But just like God was with the Israelites, I want you to know that He is with you, even in the middle of your wandering. He is still providing, protecting, and taking care of you in ways you may not see yet. He hasn’t taken His hands off of you, even if it feels like you're in the middle of the desert by yourself.

This makes me think of Hagar (Abraham and Sarah's servant), who ran away into the wilderness after Sarah began mistreating her. It was in this place of despair that God revealed Himself to her as El Roi (the God who sees her), and let her know that He saw her misery and would bless her and her descendants (Genesis 16:1-13).

If nothing else, in seasons of trials, we should remember the character of our God, who doesn't change just because our circumstances have changed. He is the same God who provided for a people who grumbled against Him and was faithful even when they weren't. He is the same God who revealed Himself to a slave who was being mistreated and made her feel seen, protected, and blessed.

That's the nature of our God. Don't be so focused on what He has yet to do in your life, that you miss all the ways in which He's currently letting His presence be known.

If this Thanksgiving, you're struggling to find things to be thankful for, think about:

How God has provided for you this year in ways you didn’t expect: Maybe it was through the various people God placed in your life to encourage you when you felt down, a bill that worked out when you didn't know how you were going to pay it, or the constant direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit in your life this year.

How God kept you through the toughest trials you endured this year: You may not feel stronger, but you’re still standing; that alone is grace and is your evidence that God has not abandoned you and is still with you.

How God protected you from things you didn’t even know you needed to be protected from: There is so much that God shields us from that we will never even know about. The closed doors, delays, disruptions, and detours you experienced this year may have been the Lord's protection.

How God is using your current season to shape you: Even waiting has a purpose. God uses the quiet, slow, and uncertain seasons of our lives to form our character, deepen our trust, and refine our faith in ways comfort could never.

Take a moment to take inventory of your year and praise God for the ways in which He has shown up for you. Don't wait for things to feel easier to start thanking God. Praise Him in the middle of the storm. Praise Him in the middle of the wandering. Praise Him no matter what things look like around you right now.

If you would like some journaling prompts to reflect on this Thanksgiving, check out these 12 Gratitude Prompts To Check In With God