Finding Gratitude in the Midst of Difficulties - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - October 2, 2026

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Hearing “breast cancer” rocked my world. Being proud of my health at the age of 72, I didn’t expect cancer, mastectomy, drugs, and osteoporosis to enter my life. After my annual mammogram, I was asked to return for a follow-up. I returned for a second scan, then an ultrasound. Expecting good news after almost 40 years of mammograms with no issues, I heard, “Two spots need a biopsy. Do you want to do that right now?” Four days later, I received the cancer diagnosis. At my first appointment with three different doctors, I expected to schedule a lumpectomy. Instead, I was told it would be a unilateral mastectomy. Fear and anxiety confronted me as I went through the pain of surgery and its results. I turned to God from the beginning, but found myself struggling with the reality of my diagnosis. The hard things happening to me became my focus. Nights were the most difficult as fear of all the possible outcomes replayed in my mind. 

At a low moment, God reminded me of His instruction to “rejoice always” and “give thanks in all circumstances”. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us that giving thanks is God’s will for us. He wants us to choose to rejoice in His love and pray about everything in our lives. He didn’t say we have to be thankful for all that happens, but to be thankful in the midst of the difficulties that come. Having decided to journal each day, I began a gratitude list. There are always countless blessings we can thank God for each day. On the eighteenth day after receiving the cancer diagnosis, I recorded these gifts: my husband, Jesus my Lord, good doctors, family, friends, good food, warm home, safety, medicine, water, peace, and hope. An awesome beginning. Paul, the writer of most of the New Testament, commands us in this verse to choose joy and gratitude. 

Problems and trouble will come to every person. Are you struggling in a difficult season? How might God be calling you to respond? Gratitude is a powerful and healing choice. Maybe you can’t imagine feeling thankful right now. When I feel this way, I start by thanking God for my next breath.  A good challenge is to start a journal where you list five things you’re grateful for each day. Once you get started, it will be hard to stop at five. If you don’t like writing, keep a verbal journal on your phone. Consider proclaiming all you’re thankful for on social media. Some have kept a gratitude jar in which they place slips of paper with one thing they are thankful for. Then, when they get low, they pull out one of the papers as a reminder. We can thank Him for everything from flowers, birds, beauty, and animals to the blood coursing through our veins. He gives us breath each morning. Most of all, we can give thanks for salvation through Jesus Christ. If that was all He gave us, it would be enough. What will you be grateful for today?  

Let's pray ...

Dear Jesus,
I rejoice in you, my Savior! Forgive me for so often complaining and grumbling instead of praising you. Please help me to choose gratitude each day. Thank you for giving me countless gifts. Thank you for the sun that rises each morning and sets each night. Thank you for breathing in my lungs and for the ability to know you. Thank you for family, friends, and the gift of loving each other. Thank you most of all for salvation and forgiveness for my sins. Please open my eyes to see how much I have to be thankful for. Help me to rejoice in you, no matter what circumstances I face. In the hard moments, help me keep my eyes on you. Please show me how to pray continually and walk with you in gratitude. I love you, Lord. I pray in your powerful name.
Amen.

What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.

Feel like digging a little deeper? Here is a wonderful resource to meet you right where you are. 5 Comforting Psalms for When We Worry: A Guided Reflection Journal

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/DjelicS 

Susan Aken is a writer, wife, mom, and follower of Jesus. She is an Oklahoma native but has lived in Nebraska for years. Besides writing, she has a passion for special needs and prayer ministries. She enjoys time with family, reading, and nature photography. She loves studying and teaching Bible truth. She believes life is a journey and we’re all in different places. Jesus is everything to her and it’s all about grace. Visit her at susanaken53.wordpress.com or on Facebook.

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