Finding Hope Through Gratitude

Sometimes I feel my grasp on Hope slipping through my fingers. I start new seasons full of hope, energy and vision, stirred by that deep kingdom discontent–that sense that things are not as they should be and that God is inviting me to step into something new with Him. But somewhere along the way, the weight of responsibility, slow progress, and unexpected setbacks start to chip away at my hope.

I’m trying to learn that in these moments, practising gratitude can help me find hope again. It reminds me that God is still with me even when I don’t acknowledge it.

This doesn’t always come naturally for me. 

I’m not talking about the kind of gratitude that tries to pretend everything is fine. I’m learning to practice the simple kind of gratitude that pauses to notice the good that is still there, even in the hard spaces. 

Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 are a good reminder for me here:
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

I know that gratitude doesn’t erase tough moments, and often the tough moments are where the learning happens, but it opens my eyes to see God right in the middle of them. Even when the circumstances don’t change, gratitude shifts something in me. It softens the edges of my fear and discouragement, and it makes space for hope to grow again. To remember that God is still at work. Gratitude is my reminder that God is always faithful.

Maybe you’ve been in a season like this, too, where hope feels thin. If so, I’d love to invite you to join me in practising gratitude this week. Write down a challenge and a gratitude each day. Pray your thanks to God, even in the messy middle. And, if you can, share it with someone else. Hope has a way of multiplying when it’s spoken out loud.

Gratitude doesn’t remove the tough moments, but it refreshes my awareness of God in those moments. And hope gives me the courage to learn in these moments and take the next faithful step with God.