17 Dec 2024 20:14

Keywords: grief during holidays, grief after loss, holiday grief tips, coping with loss, finding gratitude after loss

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

The idea of gratitude during seasons of loss can feel confusing, even uncomfortable. When grief is fresh—or still lingering—the holidays may seem like the least appropriate time to talk about thankfulness. The heart may feel too heavy, and the absence too loud. Yet Scripture offers a gentle truth: gratitude and grief can exist side by side.

Giving thanks does not mean minimizing pain or pretending everything is okay. It does not require forced positivity or emotional pressure. Instead, gratitude becomes a quiet posture of trust—acknowledging that even in sorrow, God is present and faithful. It is not about what has been lost, but about recognizing where God is still meeting us.

During the holidays, gratitude may show up in small ways. It might be found in a moment of peace, a supportive conversation, a comforting Scripture, or the simple strength to get through the day. These moments do not erase grief, but they remind us that God’s goodness has not disappeared.

As we walk with God, He gently shifts our hearts—not away from grief, but toward hope. Over time, gratitude becomes less about circumstances and more about presence: God’s presence with us, His compassion surrounding us, and His promises carrying us forward.

If you are navigating the holidays after loss, give yourself grace. You are not required to feel thankful for everything. But you may find comfort in noticing the small mercies God places along your path. Even in sorrow, His goodness remains, steady and sure.

Prayer

God, help me see Your goodness even in sorrow. Open my eyes to the quiet blessings around me, and guide my heart as I learn to hold both grief and gratitude with You. Amen.