Episode 247: When Giving Thanks Feels Hard

Write this Down! with Dot Bowen

Today Dot and Cara are talking about the life-changing practice of gratitude, not just as a holiday tradition, but as a daily spiritual discipline. Starting with Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, they share how giving thanks protects our hearts from bitterness and helps us remember God’s goodness in difficult seasons. If you’ve struggled to find something to be thankful for this year, this conversation is for you. Grab your Bible and a journal, and join us as we discuss what it means to live with a heart of gratitude.

Got a question about today’s episode or something else you’d like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know!

Episode recap:

• Start by writing down 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 (0:08)
• The practice of gratitude has helped Cara more than any other discipline (3:00)
• You can acknowledge when things aren’t good and give thanks simultaneously (6:11)
• We can give thanks because God always meets us where we are (9:35)
• Remembrance is a key to gratefulness (13:08)
• You can practice something you don’t fully understand (18:54)
• You don’t have to wait until you feel like it (20:54)
• Ask God to help you see what to be thankful for (22:50)
• Cara is finding thankfulness in quiet Thanksgivings with just her mom and dad (27:11)

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Scripture Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”