Gratitude in the Waiting: Finding Thankfulness When Life Feels Hard
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“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
The Weight of Right Now
Let’s be honest — it’s not easy to feel thankful right now.
Everywhere we look, people are carrying heavy burdens: families facing food insecurity as benefits are cut, workers unsure what tomorrow holds because of the government shutdown, and parents trying to budget for college while the cost of everything keeps climbing.
And for so many, all this unfolds while life keeps rushing forward — birthdays, bills, holidays, and the constant pressure to keep it all together.
Our family feels it too. November brings five birthdays, college planning, holiday prep, and the uncertainty that often comes with work and business. Some days I find myself wondering, “Lord, is this really what You’re calling us to? Are we still walking in Your will?”
Yet even when the noise gets loud, God whispers:
“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Gratitude Isn’t About Perfection — It’s About Perspective
Gratitude doesn’t ignore the hard. It looks at it honestly and still chooses to see God’s hand in the middle of it.
Maybe your pantry isn’t as full as you’d like.
Maybe your holiday plans look smaller this year.
Maybe you’re just trying to get through one day at a time.
Thankfulness in hard seasons is a radical act of faith.
It says:
“God, I don’t see how this will work out — but I trust that You’re working it out.”
The same God who provided manna in the wilderness and multiplied loaves and fish hasn’t stopped providing. Gratitude helps us notice His provision even when it comes in unexpected ways.
The Gift Hidden in the Waiting
Waiting seasons can feel endless. But they’re often where God shapes our hearts the most.
When we pause and thank Him before we see the answer, waiting becomes holy ground.
The waiting becomes worship.
Every “not yet” is an invitation to remember what is:
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The roof overhead.
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The people around the table.
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The breath in our lungs.
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The new mercies that meet us every morning.
When we stop striving and start thanking, peace shows up — not because everything’s fixed, but because we’ve shifted our eyes to the One who never changes.
5 Simple Ways to Practice Gratitude This Week
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Write one thing you’re thankful for daily. Keep a family gratitude list on your fridge.
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Turn on worship music while you get ready or cook dinner — it changes the atmosphere.
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Pray before complaining. Turn “why me” into “thank You for walking with me.”
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Speak life — encourage someone today. Gratitude multiplies when it’s shared.
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Rest intentionally. Even ten minutes of stillness can realign your heart to peace.
A Prayer for This Season
Lord, thank You for being steady when everything else feels uncertain. Teach us to be grateful even in the waiting. Help us see Your fingerprints in our ordinary days — in provision, in people, and in peace that passes understanding. Let gratitude be our witness this month. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Final Thoughts
If this month feels heavy, remember this: God hasn’t failed you yet — and He’s not about to start now.
So even in the waiting, even in the wondering, even in the weariness — let’s be people who say thank You anyway.
Because gratitude doesn’t ignore the storm.
It looks straight at it and says,
“My God is still in control.”
💛 Join the Gratitude Challenge
Throughout November, we’re sharing daily gratitude prompts, verses, and prayers across our social platforms.
Let’s walk through this month with thankful hearts and faith that still believes in miracles.
~Ian & Theresa
ISCREATIVEDESIGNS.COM