How to Get After Grateful | Life Designer University -- It’s easy to be joyful and thankful when things are going your way, but what about when they don’t? In this blog post, we’re sharing how you can get after grateful even in difficult seasons of…

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

Can you honestly say that you are grateful in every situation? That even when things aren’t going your way, you can still find it in your heart to be thankful?

It’s easy to give thanks when things are going your way but what about when they don’t? What about when life keeps handing you disappointment after disappointment; discouragement after discouragement; rejection after rejection? In these moments of brokenness, how do you respond?

When we are trudging our way through difficult seasons is when faith becomes a choice and gratitude becomes a fight. That is why 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 urges us to never stop praying. Prayer is a weapon of spiritual warfare, and gratitude is an offering and practice that must be cultivated and lived out daily. The reality is life is hard and we live in a fallen, broken world. Therefore, there will be seasons when life is less than perfect and our circumstances may be less than favorable. It is in these moments where we can choose to complain and sulk, or we can choose to shift our perspective and get after grateful. Here are five practical tips to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and get after grateful in your season.

Remember God’s faithfulness.

Look back and remind yourself of all that God has done. Flip back through your prayer journals and review your previous entries and answered prayers. How did God show up in the past? How did He provide? What difficult situations did He get you through? If He did it before, won’t He do it again? Remember, faith comes from hearing and in this case, remembering. Next time you find yourself feeling doubtful or discouraged, be grateful and encouraged by God’s goodness and faithfulness in your life.

Cultivate a gratitude practice

I love this quote by Henric Frederic Amiel which says, "Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” Thankfulness may be commenced by words, but gratitude is carried out by acts. That is why it is great to have a gratitude practice where you apply an attitude of thankfulness. Take action by spending a few moments day and night reflecting on and writing out the things that you are grateful for. Show a loved one just how much you appreciate them by displaying random acts of gratitude and kindness. Gratitude doesn’t grow from a one-time activity but a continual practice that is cultivated on a daily basis.

Spend time with your loved ones.

If you’re feeling discouraged or down, spending time with your loved ones can always lift you up. Spending time with my husband, friends, and family always reminds me that even if in the midst of my situations, I have a lot to be thankful for. Who are the people in your tribe? Think of two to three people in your circle that you can call on for encouragement and refreshment. You’ll be so grateful that you did.

Serve others.

Don’t be so focused on your own needs and problems that you can’t see the needs of those around you. I love how Paul encourages us in Philippians 2:3-5: “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” When you get your eyes off of your own self and problems, you’ll be able to see and serve the needs of those around you. Scientific studies show that serving others not only boosts your happiness but provides a sense of purpose. Instead of complaining and griping, focus on who you can start serving.

Find joy in the journey

Your situation may be less than perfect but that doesn’t mean that you can find joy in the journey. Oftentimes if we look closely we can find joy in the smallest of things, whether that be savoring the slowness of the mornings, enjoying a cup of coffee with a friend, or cuddling up with a cozy blanket and book. Sometimes it is the simplest of things that spark the most joy and gratitude. What are the little things that you can do that bring you the most joy?

Gratitude is less about your situation and circumstances and more about your heart’s posture — choosing to shift your perspective off of yourself and your circumstances to view them through the eyes of Christ. When you get your eyes off of yourself and your problems, you will find that even in the midst of difficulties and hardships, you have a lot to be grateful for. Instead of complaining or wishing your season away, choose to see the good and get after gratefulness this season.