In Philippians 4:6-7, the Apostle Paul challenges us
to be anxious for nothing. Instead, we are to pray and
give thanks. It’s easy to express our thanks to God on
the heels of a victory or after receiving a miraculous
breakthrough. But we will see that we are called to do
this in the midst of our struggles, as well.

At the time when Paul wrote this to the Philippian
Church, he was in prison and facing a very uncertain
future. Yet, he looked beyond his immediate situation
and did not dwell on bad, potential outcomes. His
letter reflects his deep joy and attitude of rejoicing.

Just two verses before calling us to vocalize our
gratefulness, he commands us to always rejoice. By
telling us to “always” rejoice, this implies ongoing or
habitual rejoicing. Then, to drive home his point,
he immediately repeats the command,

“Again I say
rejoice.” He shows us that even in the middle of our
pain, we can choose joy and praise God.

I don’t believe Paul is asking us to drum up insincere
gratitude. I think he is challenging us to give thanks
where we should, even in the midst of whatever
current struggle we are going through.

I have found that there is always something to
celebrate. Even during some of the most difficult trials
I have faced, there have also been things I’m thankful
for. And meditating on those and voicing my gratitude to God helps transform my perspective and recalibrate
my mind.

An overload of negative or stressful thoughts can
create a general sense of impending doom. But when
I choose to state my gratefulness to God instead of
focusing on a negative feeling, I often experience the
weight begin to lift.