The Transformative Power of Gratitude: How Giving Thanks Shapes a Fulfilling Life
537 words / 2m8s
My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. Over the many years of my life, it consistently involved seeing extended family, playing Monopoly with my siblings and cousins late into the night, traveling, eating some of my favorite foods, playing in the fall leaves of Arkansas and Oklahoma, and feeling the joy and safety of being with family and friends. Another and more personal reason I love Thanksgiving is because I was born on Thanksgiving day.
Many years after I became a disciple and follower of Jesus, I believe the Holy Spirit said something significant to me. He said, "Because you are born on Thanksgiving day, giving thanks will be a reliable gift that will help you consistently experience God's presence and have God's perspective. Also, thanksgiving will be a dependable spiritual weapon you must use in emotional and spiritual warfare."
These benefits, plus many others, are not for me only. The Bible is full of instructions for everyone to give thanks. For example:
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 107:1 (NIV)
"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!" 1 Chronicles 16:34 (ESV)
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
"Gratitude improves one’s outlook on life. Appreciating what you have can make you feel more optimistic and satisfied and experience less frustration, envy, and regret. It also tends to result in increased self-esteem and confidence, which also improves mood", says Courtney Allison.
Here are additional benefits:
Spiritual Enrichment -- "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!" (Psalm 100:4, ESV) Expressing gratitude is a spiritual key, opening our hearts and minds to our union with the Father. Gratitude is the language of the soul, fostering a deeper connection with the Creator.
Emotional Well-being -- "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." (Proverbs 17:22, ESV) Giving thanks lifts our emotional state, enriching our spirits and nurturing a hopeful attitude.
Psychological Resilience -- "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV) The Apostle Paul's counsel to the Thessalonians reflects an enduring principle. Giving thanks, even in challenging circumstances, encourages resilience and trains the mind to have a perspective that navigates adversity with grace.
We all know that familial conflict, the death of family or friends, and financial stress can dampen the motivation to give thanks; I encourage you to make a choice, an intentional choice and verbalize to God and to others the many things for which you are thankful. Hurt, pain, anxiety, fear, and anger are readily present in society. Let's be grateful, hope reformers this holiday season, and offer others a chance to experience a taste of heaven on earth (in addition to the many flavors of Thanksgiving.)
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