The Meaning of Thanksgiving, part 3

Introduction

For the past few weeks the idea of Thanksgiving has been the topic of conversation. In this series we have discovered that:

Thanksgiving is a response to:

God’s deeds / actions

God’s character / identity

Thanksgiving is an attitude revealed in your:

Speech / words

Heart

Today we are going to complete this journey by discovering that

Thanksgiving is a pathway :

to Peace

Article by the Mayo Clinic enforces this idea:

“Expressing gratitude is associated with a host of mental and physical benefits. Studies have shown that feeling thankful can improve sleep, mood and immunity. Gratitude can decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain and risk of disease...

...Remember that behavior changes biology. Positive gestures benefit you by releasing oxytocin, a hormone that helps connect people...

...If a pill that could do this, everyone would be taking it. Your brain is designed to problem-solve rather than appreciate.”

** https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/can-expressing-gratitude-improve-health#:~:text=Studies%20have%20shown%20that%20feeling,problem%2Dsolve%20rather%20than%20appreciate

Harvard Medical School article seems to concur:

“Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

** https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier#:~:text=Gratitude%20helps%20people%20feel%20more,adversity%2C%20and%20build%20strong%20relationships.

Philippians 4:6–7 NASB 95

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 NASB 95

16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

into God’s presence

Harvard Medical School article

“As a result, being grateful also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — whether to other people, nature, or a higher power.”

Psalm 100:4 NASB 95

4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.

Heb 12:28

Hebrews 12:28 NASB 95

28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;

Thanksgiving (expression of gratitude) is not just healthy but is a powerful connection to God

Conclusion