Feel Stuck? Here's Why Gratitude Might Be the Breakthrough You Need
We've all been stuck in a rut, weighed down by problems, and unsure of the next step forward. Life can feel overwhelming when challenges pile up and hope seems out of reach. If you're feeling stuck, there's good news—you may already have the key to a breakthrough. It's not another self-help book, a vacation, a pay raise, a new relationship, or even a career change. It's Gratitude. Gratitude can shift our perspective, reframe our circumstances, and unlock growth where we feel limited. Let's explore how this powerful practice can transform your life.
In a world where life moves fast, and challenges come in waves, gratitude often feels like a fleeting emotion—a warm moment we feel on Thanksgiving or when something unexpectedly good happens. But what if gratitude was more than just an occasional feeling? What if it became a daily practice, a lens through which we see our lives and a healing balm for our weary hearts?
Jesus regularly modeled gratitude in the Gospels. Gratitude or thanksgiving is mentioned 157 times in the New Testament alone. Paul taught in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 that the will of God for every believer is to "rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances" (emphasis added).
Of all the practices and disciplines God could have chosen to be his will for us, like healthy eating, spending less time on social media, etc, he decided rejoicing, prayer, and gratitude. But why? What does God know about gratitude that we may often overlook and not understand?
Gratitude has a unique way of shifting our focus. For example, by nature, we're prone to dwell on what's missing, wrong, or what we wish were different. Gratitude redirects our gaze from what's lacking to what's present. This shift isn't just a mental exercise; it profoundly affects our emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Often, our emotions miss this in the heat of the moment. Jesus knew this and offered a way forward through gratitude.
Let's explore further the impact gratitude can have on us if we are willing to practice it regularly:
1. Gratitude Shifts Your Focus
When life feels heavy, it's easy to fixate on what's wrong: the mistakes, the disappointments, the challenges. Gratitude flips the script by encouraging you to focus on what's good.
Again, as mentioned above, the Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Notice it doesn't say to be thankful for all circumstances, but in all circumstances. Gratitude isn't about pretending everything is perfect; it's about choosing to see the blessings already around you—even in difficulty.
Take a moment to reflect and practice gratitude: Start a gratitude journal. Each day, write down three things you're thankful for. They don't have to be big—maybe it's a kind word from a friend, a warm cup of coffee, or simply the fact that you woke up today. Over time, this practice trains your mind to see the good more naturally.
2. Gratitude Breaks the Cycle of Negativity
Feeling stuck often comes from a loop of negative thoughts: Why does this always happen to me? Nothing ever works out. I'll never get through this. If I fail this, everything will fall apart. If I can't do it perfectly, I shouldn't do it. I don't deserve this success; it's only a matter of time before I'm exposed. I can't stop thinking about how I made that mistake. I'll never measure up. I'll always need to be better. These thoughts aren't just unhelpful—they're paralyzing.
Gratitude interrupts this cycle by inviting you to focus on what's already going right. Neuroscience backs this up: A Purdue University study shows that practicing gratitude rewires your brain, reducing stress and increasing feelings of happiness and hope.
Take a moment to reflect: When negative thoughts creep in, pause and name one thing you're thankful for in that moment. It could be as simple as the sunshine or the laughter of a loved one. Naming your gratitude out loud can help reset your mindset and end the paralyzing cycle of negative thinking.
3. Gratitude Reduces Stress and Anxiety
When life feels overwhelming, gratitude anchors us in the present. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can lower cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, by up to 23 percent. By focusing on what we're thankful for, we break the cycle of worry and remind ourselves of the goodness that still exists.
Take a moment to reflect: even in the busiest seasons of life, are there small gifts you've overlooked? A friend's kind text, a child's laughter, or the beauty of a sunrise can become powerful reminders that not all is chaotic. Journal these moments in your phone's note app and tell Jesus how grateful you are for these small reminders of our hope in Christ.
4. Gratitude Strengthens Relationships
Gratitude is contagious. When we express appreciation for others, we strengthen our connections with them. A simple "thank you" or acknowledging someone's kindness can create deeper bonds. Relationships thrive when people feel seen, valued, and appreciated.
In fact, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 teaches, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others; it is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres" (bold emphasis added).
Love requires gratitude. Gratitude is the antidote to our self-righteousness and self-fulfilling prophecies.
For families, especially young ones navigating the complexities of parenting or marriage, gratitude can be transformative. Instead of focusing on what your partner didn't do or what went wrong that day, try thanking them for even the smallest effort. Over time, this habit builds trust and joy.
Take a moment to reflect and practice Gratitude: What can you thank your spouse, parent, child, friend, coworker, or boss for the next time you see them? If you are married or a parent, share at least one reason you thank God for them the next time you see them.
5. Gratitude Cultivates Resilience and the ability to say no to temptation
Life isn't without its struggles. Everyone experiences suffering from time to time. From the loss of a loved one to unexpected setbacks, pain is part of the human experience. In fact, the New Testament has more than 80 mentions of how Christians will experience suffering, trials, and persecution. But gratitude doesn't deny our pain—it gives us a way to face it with hope. James 1:2 encourages Christians to find gratitude in our pains and sufferings as they produce perseverance. 1 Peter 4:1 boldly teaches that those willing to suffer with Christ are "done with sin."
Consider the story of Joseph in the Bible. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and unjustly imprisoned, Joseph had every reason to give up. Yet he trusted God's plan and remained thankful. Years later, Joseph rose to power and told his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good" (Genesis 50:20). Gratitude helped Joseph endure his trials and see purpose in his pain.
For those who've experienced grief, like losing a parent or experiencing deep disappointment, gratitude can be a gentle reminder that even in the darkest seasons, light still finds its way in. Remembering the good doesn't erase the hurt but can fill your journey through pain and suffering with hope.
Take a moment to reflect: Reflect on a difficult season you've overcome. What did you learn from that experience? How did God provide for you? Let your gratitude for past victories inspire confidence in your current challenges.
6. Gratitude Connects You to God
When we feel stuck, it's easy to withdraw—not just from people, but from God. Gratitude invites us back into His presence, reminding us of His goodness and love. In fact, Psalms 100:4 says, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." Gratitude is an act of worship, a way to acknowledge that even in the struggle, God is still good. When we thank Him, we align our hearts with His and open ourselves to His peace and guidance.
When we thank God for His blessings, big or small, we open our hearts to His presence. Gratitude invites us to see His faithfulness in our past and trust His hand in our future.
Take a moment to reflect: Spend time in prayer, not asking for anything, but simply thanking God. Thank Him for His faithfulness, His provision, and His love. Watch as this posture of gratitude deepens your connection with Him.
Lastly, learning about gratitude is different from practicing gratitude. Here are a few suggestions on how to start a daily practice of gratitude.
How to Start a Gratitude Practice
If you're ready to experience the healing power of gratitude, here are a few simple steps to begin:
Start Small: Write down three things you're thankful for each morning or evening. Be specific—don't just say "family"; say, "the way my child hugged me today."
Speak It Out: Share your Gratitude with others. Tell your spouse, friend, or coworker how much you appreciate them.
Shift Your Perspective: When challenges arise, ask yourself, "What can I learn from this? Is there something to be thankful for even here?"
Pray with Gratitude: In your prayers, thank God for His blessings before presenting your requests. Gratitude nurtures a heart of trust.
Final thoughts to remember when you feel stuck:
Gratitude doesn't remove life's hardships but equips us to face them with peace and hope. It teaches us to see the beauty in brokenness, the gifts in the mundane, and the blessings in disguise.
Whether navigating a season of joy or wrestling through a valley, gratitude can be a healing companion. It draws us closer to God, others, and the truth that even in the messiness of life, there is always something worth celebrating.
So, let's embrace gratitude—not just as a Thanksgiving and Christmas tradition but as a life-giving daily habit. Healing awaits in the practice of giving thanks for God's compassion and mercies.
What are you grateful for today? Share in the comments below!