Why Give Thanks When Life Hurts?

“What are you thankful for?” I asked Oded,** a passerby, during a street outreach in Tel Aviv. He thought for a moment, then said, “I’m not really thankful for anything right now. My life hasn’t turned out the way I hoped, and I just lost a good friend.”

He seemed angry, but at least he was honest. As we talked, I told Oded I’m a Jew for Jesus, to which he replied that he’s a “Jew for atheism.” I shared the gospel and the hope we have in the Messiah, but he wasn’t very open. Still, I wanted to connect our conversation to thankfulness in some way, so I thanked him for his honesty and offered to pray for him.

Thanking God is a Hebrew Scripture principle we’re all called to practice. Most often, we thank him for his goodness, as in the familiar words of Psalm 136:1: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” That refrain repeats throughout the psalm. In Hebrew, “give thanks” is hodu, and it is more than a suggestion; it’s a command. We give thanks because God is good and his steadfast love endures forever. True thankfulness isn’t dependent on our circumstances of the moment; it’s rooted in God’s everlasting goodness and grace. So at times, we thank God simply for hearing us in the midst of our pain.

Whatever we face, his steadfast love endures forever.

Oded’s attitude isn’t unusual among Jewish people today. Many, like him, are hurting and may feel they have little to be grateful for. Since the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, Jewish communities worldwide have faced rising antisemitism. Many Israelis also remain anxious about the political situation and their own safety. I long for my Jewish people to know the Lord and to recognize that God is good. Whatever they face, his steadfast love endures forever. This is the hope your Jews for Jesus missionaries share every day, all across the globe. I’m thankful for our staff who carry it faithfully.

Looking back on this past year, I find countless reasons to thank the Lord, especially for his faithfulness in every season and for the privilege of serving him through Jews for Jesus. Every conversation, Bible study, outreach event, and act of kindness is a testimony to his enduring mercy at work.

Psalm 136 recounts God’s mighty works throughout Israel’s history, reminding his people that his faithfulness spans every generation. The same God who led his people with wisdom and compassion continues to work today. He calls both Jewish people and Gentiles into a saving relationship with himself through Jesus.

Perhaps this month, we should all make the refrain of Psalm 136:1 our own: “His steadfast love endures forever.” We can let those words shape our prayers and perspective. Whether we’re rejoicing in answered prayer or trusting God through uncertainty, his character remains unchanged. His goodness is constant. His steadfast love is everlasting.

This Thanksgiving, I’m especially grateful for faithful partners like you. Your prayers, encouragement, and generosity make it possible for missionaries across the globe to boldly proclaim the gospel, disciple new believers, and equip others to share their faith. You are part of every life touched through this ministry, and I am thankful for you!

 

*As COO (chief operating officer) and global director, Dan Sered oversees our international branches, including our teams in Europe, South Africa, Israel, and Australia.

**Name has been changed to protect privacy.