Thankfulness During the Hard Times: Finding Gratitude in Every Season

Thanksgiving is a time to pause and reflect on all we’re grateful for—but what about when life feels like it’s falling apart? This year has been a season of waves for me, with one challenge after another threatening to knock me down. Yet, in the midst of it all, I’ve found gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard moments but about seeing God’s faithfulness through them.

If you’re navigating a tough season, I want to encourage you to lean into gratitude. Here’s how God has helped me stay hopeful, along with truths from Scripture to guide your heart.

How to Process Hard Moments with God

When life feels overwhelming, we often ask, “Where do I even begin?” For me, the answer has been starting every morning with God’s Word.

This year, Psalm 145 has become my daily anchor. Verse 13b says:

“The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.”

Meditating on this verse reminds me that God’s faithfulness doesn’t depend on my circumstances—it’s constant.

But surrendering my burdens isn’t always easy. In my flesh, I want to handle things on my own. However, Psalm 63:1 encourages me to seek God earnestly:

“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.”

Each day, I come to Him in humility, laying down my pride and asking Him to carry what I can’t. Whether it’s through journaling, writing this blog, reading Scripture, or quiet prayer, I’ve found His presence is where peace begins.

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Choosing Gratitude When Life Feels Overwhelming

Gratitude doesn’t always come naturally, especially when the weight of life feels overwhelming. But one practice that has helped me is reflecting on God’s past faithfulness.

Recently, as I packed up a Thanksgiving donation box for church, I remembered a time 20 years ago when my family received a similar box. Sitting on my kitchen floor, tears of gratitude filled my eyes as I thought about how God has provided for me through every season.

If He was faithful then, why wouldn’t He be faithful now?

Taking time to pause and reflect on how God has worked in your life can shift your perspective, even in the hardest moments.

Lessons from Motherhood and God’s Patience

Motherhood has been one of the greatest teachers in my walk with Christ. As I raise my wild 3-year-old, I’m constantly reminded of God’s patience with me.

There are moments I act just like a tired toddler—frustrated, emotional, and in need of rest. Yet, God never leaves me in those moments. He meets me with love, grace, and the reminder that He’s walking with me through every struggle.

Even though I’ve raised three kids to adulthood, starting over has been refining. Through this journey, I’ve learned to depend on God in new ways.

Biblical Truths for Comfort and Hope

Hebrews 4:15 has been a powerful reminder this year:

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet without sin.”

Jesus understands every emotion, every frustration, and every moment of weakness we face. When I feel overwhelmed, I take comfort in knowing that I can come to Him just as I am.

The Power of Worship in Hard Seasons

Worship has been one of my greatest tools for staying focused on gratitude. It’s impossible to stay in a place of frustration or discouragement when I choose to enter into God’s presence with a heart of praise.

Turning on worship music shifts my heart, reminding me of God’s goodness and helping me focus on His promises instead of my problems.

Encouragement for Women Facing Challenges

If you’re walking through a difficult season, I want to encourage you to prioritize time with Jesus. Let His Word be your anchor. Psalm 34:4 is a verse I’ve clung to this year:

“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

No matter how heavy your burdens feel, you don’t have to carry them alone. Lay them at His feet, and trust in His faithfulness.

Practical Ways to Cultivate Gratitude

Here are some ideas to help you cultivate gratitude, even when life feels overwhelming:

1. Start a Gratitude Journal: Write down three things you’re thankful for each day, focusing on small blessings.
2. Spend Time in Worship: Create a playlist of songs that remind you of God’s faithfulness.
3. Reflect on Scripture: Meditate on verses like Psalm 145:13b or Hebrews 4:15 to anchor your heart.
4. Serve Others: Find ways to bless someone else. Shifting your focus outward can bring joy and perspective.

Finding Gratitude This Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, let’s choose gratitude—not because life is perfect, but because our God is good. As you gather around the table, reflect on His faithfulness and trust that He’s working in your life, even in the hard seasons.

Remember, the same God who has carried you before will carry you again. Lean into Him, and let His peace and promises fill your heart with hope.

Stay wildly faithful.

Xoxox, Erin

For all of my Bible study and journaling favorites, you can check out my Walmart storefront here.

Feeling weighed down by the seasons changing? You’re not alone. Head over to the blog to find encouragement and practical ways to embrace God’s peace during seasonal depression. Click the link to read more and find hope this season.