The Keys to Gratefulness

Let’s look at a few verses that show us the keys to being grateful at all times. As we read the verses, listen carefully so you can find the key words.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

This verse gives us our first key to gratefulness. We need to remember something that God has given us. What is it? Victory through Jesus. Victory is a key word.

It can be scary to think about hard times. But because Jesus died for sinners and then rose from the dead, those who trust in him don’t have to be afraid anymore—not even of death! When we put our trust in Christ through faith, we will live forever with him in heaven where there will be no more suffering or hard times. That’s really something to be thankful for, isn’t it?

Let’s find out about the next key. Turn to the book of Romans, which is just one book back from 1 Corinthians. Read Romans 5:3–5.

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3–5

What does verse 3 say we should do in our sufferings? Rejoice. Rejoice is our second key word.

What does it mean to rejoice? To show joy. This is surprising! This verse tells us to rejoice during our bad times because this suffering produces, or brings about, endurance. Endurance is the strength to get through hardships. It will make us stronger and build character.

But look at the end of verse 4. What else will come from enduring hard times? Hope. Hope is another key to gratefulness. Hope is especially important during difficulties. To hope in God means to be sure that he will take care of us because he loves us.

To rejoice and be hopeful when things aren’t going very well can be hard to do. God knows that it’s hard for us to trust him during bad times, so he has given us someone to help. Who has God given us? Look at the end of verse 5. The Holy Spirit.

When we trust Jesus, he sends his Holy Spirit to be with us. The Holy Spirit guides us, comforts us, and gives us strength. Another very important key to gratefulness, then, is remembering that the Holy Spirit is there to help during the hard times.

Even when we know God is with us, sometimes we still worry about bad things happening. God tells us exactly what to do when we feel worried, or anxious.

Turn to the book of Philippians. This book is another of Paul’s letters. Find chapter 4 verses 6–7.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6–7

What does verse 6 say we should do when we’re feeling anxious? Let our requests be made known to God. Pray.

What do you think our last key word is for today? Pray. Notice verse 6 says that our prayers and supplications, or requests, should be made “in everything,” or at all times. In good times and bad, we can go to God and ask him for what we need.

With what should our prayers be made? Thanksgiving. That’s right! As we ask God for his help, we can be thankful because we know that God loves us and wants what is best for us.

When we pray in this way and trust God with our requests, what will he give us? Look at verse 7. The peace of God.

What a wonderful promise! When we give our worries to God and trust him, he gives us peace in our hearts and minds. We may not understand why the bad things happen. But we can know that God is sovereign. That means he is in control of everything, even during the bad times of life.

Let’s complete the class notes to review the lesson (see below). This page is a matching activity. Follow the path next to each statement to the word on the right, then write the letter in the circle. Go ahead and complete those now.