One of the greatest ways to stay healthy mentally is to cultivate a thankful heart. We live in a world where the news is constantly bombarding us with negative stories, where few people truly have a positive self-image, and where even less individuals know what their true purpose in life is. No wonder, in America today, so many millions of people suffer with anxiety and depression, hate their jobs, and always feel defeated.
I believe that the great antidote for anxiety, depression, lack of job satisfaction, and the host of other negative attitudes millions in America live with can be found in a special Bible verse – (1 Thessalonians 5:18) which reads: “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
I love this verse for two reasons. First, God is telling us that we should give thanks in all circumstances. Even when we are going through a trial we are told to give thanks because God is more than able to bring about something good through it. And if God is telling us to give thanks in everything, it must be possible or He would not have told us to do it. Second, We are told by the apostle Paul that giving thanks in all circumstances is God’s will for us. So, if we don’t give thanks in all situations we are out of God’s will.
I believe that God knows how we are wired since he created us. He knows that a merry or thankful heart is good medicine. As (Proverbs 17:22) says: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” As Christians we need to show the world why Christianity is attractive and the best way to do this is to have a thankful spirit in all circumstances. Not only is it possible but God expects it from us.
One of the best ways that I have found to constantly foster this thankful way of living is to keep a daily thanksgiving log. Every day I make it a point to type out five things I am thankful for. I never seem to have a problem listing things I am thankful for and by doing this everyday I am cultivating an attitude of gratitude, staying positive, and obeying God’s will found in (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
I challenge you to start your own daily thanksgiving log. I believe if you consistently list five things everyday that you are thankful for that soon being thankful will become a new part of living for you. The benefits are enormous and there is absolutely no downside to doing this. And remember that being thankful is not just a feeling but an act of the will and while we can’t always control our feelings we can use our wills to choose to be thankful. The choice is up to you!
Really good idea Curt. I will do it. Don’t know if I can keep it down to just 5 a day tho.