A Christian Woman’s Guide to Finding Joy in Trials
As a Christian woman, learning gratitude in trials and hard times is easier said than done, right?
Let’s be honest: it’s hard to have a heart of gratitude when life feels overwhelming.
The Bible tells us “in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Gratitude is a choice we make because of our faith in Jesus Christ; not because life is easy or we always feel thankful, but because we intentionally shift our focus toward Him.
THREE WAYS TO SHIFT OUR PERSPECTIVE TOWARD GRATITUDE:
- Stop The Comparison Trap
- Shift From “Why” To “WHO?”
- Start A Gratitude Journal
Stop the Comparison Trap
Too many times, finding gratitude in our hearts is difficult because we’re comparing our lives to someone else. All the shiny, perfectly filtered images on social media can cause us to feel somehow less than or left out.
In today’s comparison culture, contentment often feels out of reach. That’s why, when hard times come along, our faith can feel challenged. We’re flooded with emotions and questions. We forget that looking to Jesus is where we find comfort and peace.
Comparison steals our joy and sets us up for discontent.
Finding contentment is an active choice a Christian woman makes in order to have an attitude of gratitude. Making specific choices to align our focus on more heavenly things is what helps.
Philippians 4:8 says this:
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
When you find your mind and heart in a state of discontent, stop comparing yourself to others and choose to shift your thoughts upward.
Shift From “Why” To “WHO”
Everyone has questions about life and why bad things happen to good people. This is normal. But when our faith is challenged with trials or adversity, getting stuck on “Why?” is not the answer.
It’s perfectly OK to bring God all of your questions. This keeps us in relationship with Him and is a healthy way to process fear, anxiety, and depression. However, the key is to focus on what we do know.
Having a strong foundation in God’s truth helps us stand firm when life gets hard. Bible reading, prayer, and scripture memorization will equip us for the times we feel our questions are leading us toward discontent.
Knowing God’s Word enables us to choose to think about the “pure.. lovely… admirable… excellent… praiseworthy” attributes of God.
When we find ourselves consumed with unanswered questions of “why”, we can shift our focus to “Who”. Focus on who God is, His constant character, and the promises He’s given us in His Word.
When my heart is heavy with questions, these verses remind me of who God is.
When you walk through I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you.
You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire,
and the flame will not burn you.
Isaiah 43:2 (HCSB)
Be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 (HCSB)
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you.
I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be
troubled or fearful.
John 14:27 (HCSB)
Reminder: if we are followers of Christ, there are eternal blessings that cannot be taken away: Salvation, The Holy Spirit, and God’s love for us.
A Prayer to Help You Shift Focus
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for your love for me. I know that I am held in your tender care and you will never leave me. I choose to trust you. I may not know “why” I’m going through this trial and hardship, but I know You. You are faithful and I don’t have to be afraid or troubled because your peace is with me.
Start A Gratitude Journal
One of the best ways to cultivate a heart of gratitude is to practice thankfulness. Keeping a journal of your blessings and special moments you’re thankful for can be a great tool.
When we record God’s faithfulness through the discipline of gratitude, we create a place of remembrance we can return to again and again.
When we find ourselves consumed with worry, fear, or doubt, our journals can be a great source of encouragement, a place we can turn to again and again.
This simple habit helps the Christian woman find joy and strength when life feels hard.
Reminder: Gratitude is not always a feeling- it’s a spiritual discipline.
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus”
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)
For the Modern Proverbs 31 Christian Woman, learning to shift our focus toward gratitude when life is hard enables us to grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus.
Gratitude is not always a feeling. Often it’s a conscious choice to change what we focus on. When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, He brings to us a peace that surpasses our understanding in the middle of life’s hard times.
💙DOES THIS RESONATE WITH YOU?
The Proverbs 31 Woman wasn’t perfect, but she modeled strength and faith rooted in gratitude.
You might like to read Rooted & Established in Love: 3 Stesp to Spiritual Growth
Consider your current challenges. Is your heart and mind rooted in gratitude?
If you feel overwhelmed by your trials, it’s time to shift your focus. Stop comparing your life to anyone else, shift your mind-set from “why” to “what else” you know of God’s faithfulness, and begin to journal your gratitude today.
🌸 YOUR TURN
If life feels heavy right now, take a deep breath, friend. God sees you.
You don’t have to have it all together to begin cultivating gratitude — you just need a willing heart. Start small: stop the comparison, shift your focus back to Who God is, and write down one thing each day that reminds you of His faithfulness.
Remember, a Proverbs 31 woman isn’t perfect — she’s a woman who walks with God in every season, trusting Him to renew her strength and restore her joy.
If your heart longs for peace instead of chaos, and you’re ready to grow deeper in your walk with Jesus, I have a resource that will help.
🌿 TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Join me for the 31-Day Bible Reading Plan on the Fruit of the Spirit — a daily journey designed to help Christian women stay rooted in God’s Word, rediscover gratitude, and experience lasting joy even when life feels hard.
Each day’s reading will guide you toward peace, patience, and a renewed heart of thankfulness.
👉 Click here to begin your 31-day journey today!
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