Each year, as Thanksgiving approaches, we’re called upon to express our appreciation for all of our blessings. Yet if you or your loved ones are facing real challenges, the task of feeling grateful can feel like an incredibly tall order. If that’s the case, you may be looking at it the wrong way. Rather than seeing gratitude only as an obligation or an act that you feel pressured to put on, you can leverage it to help strengthen you in difficult times.
Here’s how you can cultivate gratitude from a place of kindness to yourself — and discover its benefits for your health, faith, and happiness.
Can You Feel Grateful When You Are Suffering?
It may not feel like it, but the importance of gratitude in life is greater when you’re having a hard time, not less. In fact, research suggests that practicing thankfulness can transform our outlook, making us more receptive to God’s grace and less focused on our struggles. It can also lead to better emotional and physical wellness, greater life satisfaction, and deepened faith. Keep these things in mind as you take steps toward reaping the benefits of a grateful mindset:
Lean on faith. Remember that God’s plans are bigger than our immediate circumstances. Trusting in His sovereignty can help you find a more contented outlook.
Seek community support. Being thankful doesn’t mean stoically toughing it out on your own (and usually doesn’t work well anyway). Sharing your struggles with a trusted friend or church group can provide encouragement and remind you that you are not alone.
Stay consistent. Keep up with gratitude practices even on difficult days. Consistency is key to mastering a lasting attitude of thankfulness.
Ways to Cultivate Gratitude in Any Circumstance
Like any other form of mental or physical training, cultivating an attitude of gratitude requires intentional practice. Here are several strategies that Christians can incorporate into their daily routines to nurture a thankful heart.
Start with Prayer
Begin each day with a prayer of thankfulness, focusing on God’s presence, His mercy, and His grace. Acknowledge the blessings you have received, both big and small. This sets a mental tone that can carry you through the day.
Keep a Gratitude Journal
It might feel silly or childish, but maintaining a daily journal in which you list things you’re grateful for is an effective way to bring your blessings into focus in any life situation (if you want, you can literally count them). This could range from something as ephemeral as a beautiful scene in nature to the lasting support of a friend or a Bible verse that spoke to you.
Writing down positive things makes them more tangible and reminds you that God’s blessings are continuous; there are always more coming. This can help you create a more hopeful outlook, anticipating reasons to be thankful before you even know what they are.
Meditate on Scripture
Choose some Bible verses that inspire gratitude and meditate on them throughout the day. Scriptures such as 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances,” remind us that there are always things to feel grateful for, no matter what’s happening in our lives.
Recognize Others
Showing appreciation for other people’s efforts and personalities not only lifts up their spirits but reinforces your own feelings of thankfulness. Make it a habit to thank people in whatever way is likely to be best received. Recognizing the impact of others in our lives deepens relationships and fosters a mutual, communal sense of gratitude.
Reflect at Day’s End
Spend a few minutes each evening reflecting on the day. Consider three things you were grateful for and why. This helps identify the positives in your day, even if it was particularly challenging.
Developing a gratitude mindset is a transformative journey for Christians. It not only aligns with biblical teachings but also enhances personal well-being and strengthens community bonds. By incorporating mindful practices, such as prayer, journaling, and scriptural meditation, you can remain grateful through this Thanksgiving — and all seasons of life.
Get in a Thanksgiving Mindset With Word of Life Church
Word of Life Church is dedicated to making the world a better place by spreading the Word and Love of God. Our mission is to create an authentic, welcoming worship community and to empower people to live a life of faith and service in the name of Jesus — including celebrating our blessings at Thanksgiving.
Our church offerings include a variety of worship experiences, LifeGroups, youth programs, and service initiatives for individuals of all ages, all designed to offer community and opportunities to engage with God and enhance a mindset of gratitude. Contact us today to find out how we can serve you!
