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Strength in Gratitude Poem
Life can be filled with challenges, but gratitude and faith can help us see beyond the difficulties of today. In Strength in Gratitude, Celia Thaxter reminds us that even when life brings sorrow and disappointment, we can still recognize the many blessings God gives us.
Rather than allowing hardship to overshadow everything that is good, the poet chooses to look beyond the clouds and trust that brighter days will come. Her words offer a beautiful reminder that faith does not mean we never experience sadness or struggle. It means we continue to trust in God's love, remain thankful for His blessings, and find the courage to keep going.
Updated September 30, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
Strength in Gratitude
Poet: Celia Thaxter
Because I hold it sinful to despond,
And will not let the bitterness of life
Blind me with burning tears, but look beyond
Its tumult and its strife;
Because I lift my head above the mist,
Where the sun shines and the broad breezes blow,
By every ray and every raindrop kissed
That God's love doth bestow;
Think you I find no bitterness at all?
No burden to be borne, like Christian's pack?
Think you there are no ready tears to fall
Because I keep them back?
Why should I hug life's ills with cold reserve,
To curse myself and all who love me? Nay!
A thousand times more good than I deserve
God gives me every day.
And each one of these rebellious tears
Kept bravely back, He makes a rainbow shine;
Grateful I take His slightest gift, no fears
Nor doubts are mine.
Dark skies must clear, and when the clouds are past,
One golden day redeems a weary year;
Patient I listen, sure that sweet at last
Will sound His voice of cheer.
Then vex me not with chiding. Let me be.
I must be glad and grateful to the end.
I grudge you not your cold and darkness, me
The powers of light befriend.
Key Reflections In This Poem
-
Gratitude Helps Us See Beyond Difficulties
The poet does not pretend that life is free from sorrow, but she refuses to let hardship hide all that is good. Her words remind us that gratitude can help us recognize God's blessings even during difficult days.
-
Faith Gives Us Strength To Keep Going
Dark clouds may come, but the poet trusts that they will eventually pass. Her faith gives her patience and hope as she waits for brighter days and listens for God's words of encouragement.
-
God's Gifts Are Worth Appreciating
Rather than focusing only on what is wrong, the poet gratefully accepts even the smallest gifts God provides. Her example reminds us that thankfulness can change our outlook and help us appreciate how much we have been given.
Popular Pages
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Conclusion
Strength in Gratitude reminds us that being thankful does not mean life will always be easy. Celia Thaxter acknowledges sorrow, burdens, and tears, yet she chooses not to let them take away her appreciation for the good that God continues to provide.
There may be days when the clouds seem to hide the sunshine, but difficult seasons do not last forever. When we look for God's blessings, even the smallest ones, we can find reasons to be thankful and strength to continue. May this poem remind us to hold on to faith, appreciate what we have been given, and trust that brighter days will come.
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