A Thread of Hope
As a response of appreciation, gratitude sounds like a great idea when we feel good, when circumstances seem perfect, and after we receive blessings. But how do we cultivate gratitude in difficult times?
Author Robert Brault writes, “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” Simple things make up big blessings. During the holiday season, there’s a lot of ‘little things’ to be thankful for: family, friends, and a good meal to name a few examples.
However, the season of comfort and joy can bring the opposite for some people. Boise State University explains, “A recent survey revealed that 61% of Americans experience sadness or loneliness.” The University furthers, “37% would skip the holidays altogether if given a choice. Sometimes, people prefer solitude to the alternatives.” A common theme causing loneliness is grief, whether from distance from family, family tension, or loss of a loved one. So, how do we have gratitude in the midst of struggling?
Hope. Our hope is in Christ! Psalms 62:5-6 says, “Yes, my soul, finds rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly, he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” Author Melinda LeBlanc demonstrates the connection between hope and gratitude when she says, “Gratitude is the foundation for hope. It changes our focus from lacking to gift.” Thankfulness flows from the confident expectation that Jesus brings restoration and redemption.
This expectation is written in the Word of God as Isaiah 25:8 explains, “The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken.” This life we’ve been given is a gift, and continuing to abide in the Lord’s faithful love, we remember Revelation 21:4, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” In the midst of great trials, we can have hope and gratitude in the little things because of Christ.
The value of faith at Echoing Hills drives our mission and purpose. In Christ we place our hope, encouraging others to do the same. We are grateful for the love he has given us as we extend that same love to others.
https://www.countryliving.com/life/g31917944/bible-verses-about-hope/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_clv_md_pmx_prog_org_us_22263561504&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22270045421&gbraid=0AAAAACq-IruNIv_ctop-mqQQB71t-vxzG&gclid=CjwKCAiAoNbIBhB5EiwAZFbYGEG35AVc77pMdBQremRs0kp3ycf85xvSIzG2bQpm-tcptiv17mNHZBoCelwQAvD_BwE
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https://www.boisestate.edu/news/2024/11/25/holidays-are-supposed-to-be-merry-but-they-can-amplify-feelings-of-isolation/#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20a%20recent%20survey,on%20a%20number%20of%20factors.
https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/the-connection-between-gratitude-and-hope/
https://www.esv.org/Revelation+21:4;Isaiah+25:8/
https://ehvi.org/3-pillars/
