Digital Only: Young Adults
How Can Gratitude Help Us in the Middle of Adversity?
What can we do to help ease the pain of living in a world filled with conflict?
“Oh God, where art thou?” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:1).
Those were the words the Prophet Joseph Smith asked the Lord when he was being held in Liberty Jail. At some point in our lives, there will come a moment, or many moments, when we may find ourselves asking this very question. Pain can make us feel alone and leave us scrambling for answers.
Luckily, we aren’t alone. And Heavenly Father has countless promises and blessings in store for us. No matter where we are, what we’re going through, or the pain that we endure, the Savior Jesus Christ is always by our side as we diligently seek to “draw near unto [Him]” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:63). He is always there for us. He won’t leave us stranded or alone.
So how can we have peace in our hearts? How can we overcome the pain we sometimes feel in this life? How can we overcome the hopelessness of living in a world filled with conflict?
We can start by exercising gratitude.
The Healing Power of Gratitude
In the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Russell M. Nelson shared a message with the world: “There is no medication or operation that can fix the many spiritual woes and maladies that we face. There is, however, a remedy—one that may seem surprising—because it flies in the face of our natural intuitions. Nevertheless, its effects have been validated by scientists as well as men and women of faith. I am referring to the healing power of gratitude.”
So how do we show gratitude? And how can we learn to live in a state of gratitude?
Mosiah taught, “O how you ought to thank your heavenly King! … Render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created you” (Mosiah 2:19–20).
Gratitude like this is something that takes practice and faith. That’s a good thing! Heavenly Father wants us to grow and learn, even if we’re not the best at it at first. We get up and keep going.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “True gratitude is an expression of hope and testimony. It comes from acknowledging that we do not always understand the trials of life but trusting that one day we will.”
Everyday Opportunities to Practice Gratitude
It becomes easier to see opportunities to practice gratitude as we keep trying. Here are some simple, everyday ideas:
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Expressing thanks to others through your words, a quick text, or a thoughtful note
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Keeping a gratitude journal and writing down something you’re grateful for each day
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Saying a prayer of gratitude to Heavenly Father about the blessings you’ve received, both big and small
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Serving others to help you realize your own blessings and what you have to be grateful for
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Worshipping often in the temple and focusing on the blessings and power you receive through keeping your covenants
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Practicing mindfulness by spending time in stillness and seeking the influence of the Holy Ghost to help you recognize and list the things you are grateful for
Seeking out gratitude shifts our perspective away from the negative and instead invites joy into our lives.
The Power of Gratitude during Hard Times
In response to Joseph’s heartfelt plea, the Lord answered:
“My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; …
“Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:7, 9).
The Lord acknowledged Joseph’s struggles and then pointed out blessings to remember and be grateful for.
Gratitude isn’t just limited to moments of ease. It is equally—if not more—powerful during times of difficulty. When we face trials, living in gratitude becomes a powerful tool for resilience. When doubt, fear, and anxiety try to take hold of our hearts, recognizing and expressing gratitude for what the Lord has blessed us with will help us endure and dispel those dark feelings (see Alma 38:5).
That is the power of gratitude.