Life’s challenges can sometimes feel all-consuming, making it difficult to cultivate gratitude. Yet, the scriptures and teachings of prophets assure us that gratitude is not only possible but transformative, even in trials.
How can we turn our hearts to gratitude when we’re burdened by struggles? Let’s explore how the gospel of Jesus Christ can help us embrace gratitude, no matter our circumstances.
The Commandment to Be Grateful
Gratitude is more than a positive mindset; it is a commandment from God. In Doctrine and Covenants 59:7, the Lord commands, “Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.”
This includes moments of joy and pain. President Russell M. Nelson taught, “Counting our blessings is far better than recounting our problems.” Practicing gratitude allows us to see God’s hand in our lives, even when difficulties seem overwhelming.
When we’re struggling, it can feel impossible to thank God in all things. But acknowledging God’s blessings doesn’t mean ignoring our challenges. Instead, it’s about accepting God’s love and presence amidst them. Recognizing the eternal perspective can help us see trials as opportunities for growth.
Why Gratitude Matters in Trials
Gratitude isn’t just a virtue; it’s a spiritual gift that opens the door to peace and healing. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf explained, “Being grateful in our circumstances is an act of faith in God. It requires that we trust God and hope for things we may not see but which are true.”
When we choose to focus on our blessings, we invite the Spirit into our hearts. This doesn’t mean our trials disappear, but we gain the strength to endure them. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what God provides, filling our hearts with hope.
Practical Recommendations to Cultivate Gratitude
If you’re struggling to feel gratitude amidst challenges, here are some practical steps to help you refocus:
1. Keep a Journal
Writing down blessings is a simple but powerful way to reframe your perspective. Set aside time each day to list things you’re thankful for. They can be as small as a kind word or as profound as the gift of the Savior.
President Henry B. Eyring shared his experience with this practice, saying, *“As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of [His children].”
You can find tips on starting a gratitude journal in our article, “Special 30-Day Gratitude Journal Challenge for Latter-day Saints.”
Special 30-Day Gratitude Journal Challenge for Latter-day Saints
2. Use Prayer as a Gratitude Tool
Prayer is a sacred way to express gratitude. Instead of only asking for help, dedicate part of your prayers to thank Heavenly Father for specific blessings. Elder David A. Bednar taught, “Prayer becomes more meaningful as we…express heartfelt gratitude.”
Even during difficult times, thanking God for lessons learned or small mercies can deepen your relationship with Him. This act of faith reminds you that He is always near.
3. Serve Others
One of the quickest ways to feel gratitude is through service. Helping others shifts your focus outward, allowing you to see the needs of others and the blessings in your own life. President Thomas S. Monson counseled, “To find real happiness, we must seek for it in a focus outside ourselves.”
Consider small acts of service, such as writing a note to someone who has blessed your life. These acts not only uplift others but remind you of the goodness around you.
4. Seek the Spirit Through Music and Scriptures
Spiritual music and scripture study can uplift your soul and point your thoughts to God. Hymns like “Count Your Blessings” invite the Spirit to testify of the Savior’s love and blessings.
Similarly, studying scriptures such as Alma 37:6-7can remind you that God works miracles through small and simple means.
Turning Trials into Gratitude
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, but the gospel offers tools to turn trials into blessings. Alma 36 provides a powerful example of gratitude in the face of hardship.
Alma the Younger recalled his painful repentance process but declared, “I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.” His gratitude for the Savior’s Atonement transformed his sorrow into joy.
You, too, can find peace in adversity by focusing on Christ. The Savior endured all things so He could succor us in our afflictions (see Alma 7:11-12). Turning to Him in gratitude allows us to feel His peace, even amid trials.
Gratitude Brings Hope
Feeling gratitude in difficult times takes effort and faith, but it’s worth it. It strengthens your connection to God, helps you see His hand in your life, and fills you with hope for the future.
As you strive to practice gratitude through journaling, prayer, service, and other spiritual habits, you’ll discover the joy and peace that come from trusting the Lord.
President Nelson’s words remind us of the transformative power of shifting our perspective: “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.”
Let gratitude become the focus of your life, and watch how it invites the Savior’s peace into your heart.
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