Be Thankful Always
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
How would having a truly thankful heart change you? There must be some benefit to having a thankful heart because the Lord desires it for us and everything good comes from the Lord. Would having a thankful heart allow people to be more content and satisfied with less desire for things of the world?
What happens without a thankful heart? It can lead people to become dissatisfied, to complain, and to always want more. Most people live their lives trying to do their best to make a living and support their families. This is good, but having a thankful heart brings a person closer to God and gives more joy and peace to help people through busy days.
A consistent heart of thankfulness also has a positive effect on physical health. The following is taken from an article titled “A Thankful Heart Can Create a Healthier Mind and Body,” at www.thekimfoundation.org.
“The simple act of expressing thankfulness on a consistent basis has been shown to positively impact key areas in a person’s life including personal relationships, levels of connectedness, emotional well-being, and physical health. Emmons explains that gratitude magnifies positive emotions by helping us to appreciate the value in something, thus gaining more benefit from it. Secondly, it blocks toxic, negative emotions such as envy, resentment, and regret. These are the emotions that can destroy happiness. Thirdly, gratitude fosters resiliency and promotes self-worth. Finally, focusing on what we have versus what we lack will also help foster a more positive outlook on life.”
How does one obtain a consistently thankful heart that actually makes a noticeable change?
- Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever (Psalm 118:29)
- I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds (Psalm 9:1)
- I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High (Psalm 7:17)
Here are some other things to practice: Focusing on God’s love through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, counting the blessings He has given us, singing or listening to inspiring Christian songs, and praying for a sustained, thankful heart. Doing these things will promote a mind of thankfulness that will change your heart. Whenever negative thoughts occur, change the thought to a thankful thought.
In addition, the more we praise God the more thankful we become. It is virtually impossible to praise God without thanking Him for his love, His forgiving heart, and how much He desires to be with us in Heaven.
Today overcome Satan’s attacks with a heart of thankfulness. Reflect a heart of joy and peace with a thankful heart showing a positive outlook on life. Note how powerful a secure joyful positive attitude can be in this world; it is because of God’s love and the eternal life He promises us.
Let’s Pray: Lord, fill my heart with thankfulness and help me to realize all of your blessings in this life and eternally. Lord I strive for a sustained heart and mind, filled with thankfulness and praise for your name, and grounded in your love. In Jesus name, Amen