Giving Thanks in Difficult Times: Finding Hope Through Faith
By: Hope Shenk
The approach of Thanksgiving invites us to reflect on gratitude, but for many, this season can highlight loss, stress, or uncertainty. If you find it hard to give thanks right now, you’re not alone. At Christian Counseling of South Tampa & North Tampa, we believe that gratitude-especially in difficult times-can be a powerful tool for hope and healing.
The Hidden Struggle: When Gratitude Feels Out of Reach
Our culture often links gratitude with abundance, but what about when life feels heavy? Holidays can bring reminders of what’s missing, amplify stress, or surface old wounds. Research shows that practicing gratitude during hardship can actually help us build resilience, reduce anxiety, and find moments of peace in the midst of pain.
Why Practicing Gratitude Matters-Especially Now
Both psychological research and faith traditions agree: thankfulness is more than a mood booster. Consistent gratitude practice can:
Lower stress and anxiety
Improve mood and perspective
Strengthen relationships
Deepen spiritual connection
But how do you actually practice gratitude when you’re hurting?
Practical Ways to Cultivate Gratitude in Difficult Times
1. Start Small and Honest
Notice one thing-no matter how small-that you’re thankful for today. Maybe it’s a warm cup of coffee, a supportive friend, or simply making it through another day. Write it down. Speak it aloud. Let it be enough.
2. Pray with Vulnerability
Bring your honest feelings to God. It’s okay to pray, “Lord, I’m struggling to feel grateful. Help me see your goodness.” Honest prayers create space for God to meet you in your pain.
3. Shift Your Focus: Serve and Encourage Others
Serving shifts our perspective from what’s missing to what we can give. Acts of kindness-writing a note, volunteering, or simply listening-can spark gratitude in surprising ways.
4. Limit the Noise
Just as constant negative news can fuel anxiety, it can also drown out gratitude. Consider setting healthy boundaries with media and technology, creating more space for reflection, prayer, and connection.
5. Lean Into Community
Isolation amplifies hardship. Reach out to your faith community, family, or a trusted counselor. Sharing struggles and gratitude with others can lighten your load and remind you that you’re not alone.
Gratitude as a Pathway to Hope
Gratitude doesn’t erase hardship-but it can transform how we move through it. It anchors us in the present, opens our eyes to God’s faithfulness, and helps us hold onto hope. If you’re finding it hard to give thanks this season, know that help is available. At Christian Counseling of Tampa, we integrate evidence-based therapeutic techniques with the timeless wisdom of the Christian faith. Our compassionate counselors would be happy to help you explore your gratitude. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Reach out to us today to learn how we can support you in finding true, restorative rest.
Whether through one-on-one sessions or via family counseling, we’ll work with you to find hope. Schedule a free consultation today and discover the support you deserve. Our team of caring therapists would be happy to offer support from our Tampa, FL-based therapy practice. You can receive the support you deserve by following these simple steps:
OTHER SERVICES OFFERED WITH CHRISTIAN COUNSELING OF TAMPA
At Christian Counseling of Tampa we offer many services by our Tampa, FL-based practice. Our team is happy to offer a variety of services in support of your mental health. Other services offered include child therapy, premarital counseling, Christian counseling, therapy for anxiety, marriage intensives, trauma, and therapy for depression. We use a variety of treatment modalities including CBT, EFT, grief therapy, and more! Feel free to learn more about us by visiting our FAQ or blog today!
You don’t have to walk this journey alone-let us come alongside you with compassion, faith, and practical strategies for healing.
