Christian evangelist the Rev. Billy Graham died Feb. 21. He wrote several weeks worth of columns before his death. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette will continue to run his words in this space through his final column, which will run March 20.
DEAR REV. GRAHAM: I’ve heard that the Bible tells us to be thankful about everything that happens to us, but how can I have a thankful attitude when everything seems to be going wrong? It just doesn’t make sense.
— S.McF.
DEAR S.McF.: Yes, the Bible does urge us to be thankful, even when life isn’t going the way we wish it would. The Bible says, “understand what the Lord’s will is. … always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:17, 20).
This doesn’t mean we’re supposed to shut our eyes to things that are evil or bad, and pretend that they’re really good — because they aren’t. Evil is real, and sometimes our lives are invaded by terrible things that we don’t fully understand. Nowhere does the Bible command us to thank God for evil, or for the works of the devil — not at all.
But the key is to realize that even in hard times, God is still with us — and that should cause us to be thankful. If God weren’t with us, we’d have no reason to have hope for the future or to be thankful — but He is with us, and that makes all the difference. In fact, it’s often in hard times that we realize our need for God’s help, and turn to Him. The Bible’s promise is true: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Make sure of your commitment to Jesus Christ; if you have never invited Him into your life, do so today. Then thank Him for His love for you, and take time every day to thank Him and commit your way to Him. Remember: Darkness flees in the sunlight of thankfulness.
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangenlistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201 or visit the website at
billygraham.org