We often find it easiest to be thankful when times are good, when we’ve gained something, or are celebrating an accomplishment. But Jesus modeled thanksgiving in his darkest hour: facing betrayal and death on the cross. In “A Better Way to Pray — Praying Like Jesus” (Enrichment Journal, 2011) author and Assemblies of God General Superintendent George O. Wood writes: 

On the fateful evening Jesus was betrayed, He shared a last meal with those closest to Him. Despite knowing what lay before Him, He nevertheless gave thanks when He took the cup (Matthew 26:26,27).

What a lesson for us when we face adversity — as storm clouds gather in our lives, we can face them first with thanksgiving before we drink our own cup of sorrow. It is during the Passover meal that Jesus gave His high-priestly prayer (John 17). He prayed for himself (verses 1-5), for His disciples (verses 6-19), and for us (verses 20-26). The Twelve never forgot that prayer, and the people closest to us also will not forget the prayers we pray when we face hardship, suffering, and even death.

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, here are 10 scriptures to reflect on — whether we’re facing good times or hardships, thanksgiving is in order.

Isaiah 51:3 — The Lord will comfort Israel again and have pity on her ruins. Her desert will blossom like Eden, her barren wilderness like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found there. Songs of thanksgiving will fill the air.

Psalm 28:7 — The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

Psalm 95:2 — Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him.

Psalm 50:14 — Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High.

Colossians 2:7 — Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Colossians 3:15 — And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Hebrews 12:28 — Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.

Ephesians 5:20 — And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 — Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Revelation 7:12 — They sang, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

All scriptures from the New Living Translation (NLT). This article was originally published on vitalmagazine.com and has been used with permission.