One of the healthiest emotions known to the human existence is gratitude. Psychology Today defines gratitude as an appreciation of what one has in opposition to the standard consumerist-driven society we live in that focuses on our wants. When we practice gratitude we are destroying idolization of the self because gratitude is acknowledgement that we did not receive this on our own. Gratitude has also been proven to improve health. In our brains there is a collection of neural structures that regulates our desires and cravings, in layman’s terms it’s called the reward system. Our reward system is activated by the increase in release of the hormone dopamine and this is caused by feelings of joy, love, and happiness for example. Expressing gratitude has shown the same effects on the reward system as receiving something good. It also decreases blood pressure (this isn’t an excuse not to take your medicine though). Gratitude has been shown to be so effective that when people are depressed, sad, angry, or worried, that expressing thanks can boost your mood.
Gratitude is beneficial for our health physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t thank God for another day–for simply being alive. Not because someone else didn’t wake up this morning; that’s not a good enough reason to praise Him for allowing me to see today. For one, that’s a form of selfish thinking, it’s negative psychology. That’s “better you than me” so I’m thankful to God it was you and not me. I thank Him because I couldn’t have made it this far without Him. I’m thankful for the food I eat, the clothes I wear, for the small things. My life isn’t how I want it, it’s not created in my own image, but I’m thankful and blessed with what God has given me.
Living a life of gratitude, a life aware with appreciation and not bitterness, is a life honoring God. Living a life of gratitude counteracts toxicity, negative thinking, complaining, and negative behavior– whether that’s words or actions. Most importantly, it elevates your spirit. Whenever we’re thankful to God, when we praise Him it gives Him joy and His joy is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). So, when you get upset that things didn’t go your way don’t give in to normalcy and complain and walk around stone-faced. You have something to be thankful for, even if it’s as simple as thanking God for life. And come to think of it, is “life” even a simple thing to be thankful for? Life can be and is hell for so many. Better yet, the next time you get bent out of shape because something didn’t go how you wanted, thank God it wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been and keep it going. This change in perspective is so crucial in how the day goes, how our health is, and how we live our lives. It’s no one else’s fault why we feel the way we do. It’s our fault that we get so upset because we allow what other people say and do, or circumstances to control how we feel. We give that power to people and situations when we could give that power to God, who will only make us feel better.
I would like to feature a few passages of Scripture that I meditate on and feed my spirit with to maintain gratitude and dependency on God. Through these verses God reminds me to remember and reflect on His goodness towards me and I have no choice but to be thankful for how awesome He is:
- “Give thanks to Yahweh for he is good; his love endures forever.”– 1 Chronicles 16:34
- “I will give thanks to you, Yahweh, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wondrous works.”– Psalm 9:1
- “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”–1 Corinthians 15:57
- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guards your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”– Philippians 4:6-7
- “But give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”– 1 Thessalonians 5:18
I pray that you’d have an attitude of gratitude. Meditate on these verses or find some for yourself to meditate and nurture your spirit on. 1 Corinthians 15:57 is one of my favorite Bible verses; it’s so simple yet profound at the same time. I’m not going to have victory, it’s not merited in who I am or what I do, but I already have the victory that God gives through Jesus. And God, I thank You for that. So, practice gratitude. Tell the Lord thank You, and tell each other thank you. Be kind to one another; it’ll carry you a long way. I’m going to add a video of one of my favorite songs, “You’ve Been So Good,” by Neal Roberson. I’d love it if you checked it out, but I think you’ll thank yourself for listening to this song. I promise you you’ll be grateful after listening to it. Be sure to add it to your worship playlist.
Until next time, continue to stay guided by grace,
Tra
Guided by Grace 