Lately, I’ve been contemplating about this thought of being thankful. It seems everywhere I turn in the Internet world of entrepreneurs and successful people, they’re talking about being thankful. Inspirational people and life coaches are talking about it. Some even recommend having a thankful journal to jot down what you’re thankful for. They say even jotting down three things everyday that you’re thankful for will help you be more joyful.
I’ve actually started on this journal writing but have not been too consistent about it. I find the three things can turn into so much more, and before you know it I’m spending more than the allotted quick five minutes it will take to write the three things down. I just feel I don’t have the time for it. I need to get going. Who has the time to write in a journal? But I have to agree, that taking that few minutes, whether five or twenty does boost my psyche up. Whether I want to admit it to myself or not, I do feel a sense of fulfillment and some joy in my heart. So I’m on a quest to try to do this everyday this month, to set my timer for ten minutes after a meal and start writing my gratefulness down (or even typing them on my phone). There’s no better time than now to create a new beautiful habit, hopefully to carry me through for the rest of my life. Who knows, it might just help me live longer. I have a lot to be thankful for! Why not write them down besides reciting them to the Lord? I hope you will say a prayer for me that the Lord will help me find the time and be consistent with this.
Being thankful is one of the most important assets we can have in our society today. With so many more people dependent on prescription drugs, high suicide rates, and a host of other maladies we suffer these days (like credit card debts and over spending), more and more the need to be thankful is crucial. It will be one of the major acts we can practice that will save us from a lot of sad things that can happen in our lives, like depression and heart problems. According to studies and research, being thankful can actually help us to be healthy, happy, and wise. Who knew? Who doesn’t want that? Here are some benefits of being thankful according to studies and research:
- It will help you sleep better
- It will give you energy
- You will be less sick
- It creates good feeling
- You will be less envious
- You will be less materialistic
- You will be more positive or optimistic
- It helps with your self-esteem
- You will be less centered
- You will be more spiritual
- You’ll create happier memories
- You will create more friends
- You will have a healthier marriage
- You will be more kinder
- It helps with decision making
- It helps you achieve your goals
The list goes on and on of how being thankful is a must do, and should be taken seriously into our lifestyle today.
This is nothing new actually. Apostle Paul back many hundreds of years ago talked about this issue and has given us a solution to the worry habit we sometimes find ourselves in. He said,
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” {Philippians 4:6-8}
So this is what I’m getting from Paul:
- Don’t worry about anything just pray and tell the Lord about it
- While you’re talking to the Lord about your worries and your problems, thank Him too
- The outcome? The peace of God will enter your heart and your mind through Jesus Christ
Finally Paul admonishes us to practice certain thought processes in our lives that will surely help us stay happy and thankful:
- Think on what is true (what is real, not made up)
- Think on what is honest (or honorable or sincere)
- Think on what is just (or what is right)
- Think on what is pure (not on unclean or carnal things)
- Think on what is lovely (not on negative things but what is pleasing and beautiful)
- Think on good reports (or speak well of something or someone)
- To sum it up: Think on virtue and anything worthy of praise. Think of excellent things. Yes, indeed think on these things.
A lot to think about isn’t it? But if we actually take Paul’s words down and apply them literally into our lives and make them into a habit, can you imagine ever being depressed again? I don’t think so. No wonder Paul was able to write this one out too:
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. {Philippians 4:11}
Remember though, we are not alone in this. We have the Lord on our side ready and willing and very much able to help us to be thankful. We can’t do this on our own, we need His help. We should certainly ask the Lord Jesus to help us in this endeavor. Let’s face it, living in this world where people are always wanting what someone else has and being influenced everyday to aspire for financial success, being thankful is not an easy thing to do. For many of us being thankful and staying thankful is going to take a miraculous touch from our Heavenly Father. It’s going to take a renewing of our minds. It is going to take an everyday talk with the Lord to be thankful and to stay thankful, especially when you’re in a midst of a trial. But you know what, being thankful is a trait that He wants for us so much to have, so He will gladly give it to us. Apostle Paul tells us,
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” {1 Thessalonians 5:18}
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” {Colossians 3:15}
“Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.” {Jeremiah 9:23-24}
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” {Psalm 136:1}
