Give Thanks: It Will Change You
Notes
Transcript
Handout
1 Thessalonians 5:15-18
Last week we began a new series entitled simply, “Give Thanks”.
It is truly amazing how giving thanks affects our entire lives.
Gratitude… It's one of those things we all know we should do—say "thank you," be appreciative—but there’s more to it than just being polite.
Research has shown that practicing gratitude can actually transform our lives in some pretty incredible ways.
And it's not just about feeling good for a moment; it’s about long-term change in our hearts, our minds, and even our health.
Before we get into the sermon today I would like to share with you a few things that I have learned in my research on thankfulness.
These are things that the science world, not the church house has learned about gratitude.
I. Recognition of Gratitude in Human Wisdom
I. Recognition of Gratitude in Human Wisdom
First —
A. Mental Health
A. Mental Health
Let’s start with something we can all relate to: our mental health.
We all go through tough times—stress, anxiety, feeling down—but did you know that simply practicing gratitude can help with all of that?
Studies have shown that people who regularly take time to reflect on the things they're thankful for report feeling less anxious, less stressed, and less depressed.
Gratitude helps shift our focus away from what’s wrong in our lives, and instead, it invites us to notice what’s right.
If you’ve ever kept a gratitude journal—just writing down a few things you’re thankful for each day— will make a huge difference in the long run.
It doesn’t take much, but even small acts of thankfulness can boost your mood, increase your happiness, and leave you feeling more positive about life.
It’s like training your mind to notice the good, even when things feel tough.
This is completely in line with Scripture as well.
The Bible speaks repeatedly about the power of gratitude to bring peace, joy and contentment - Helping us shift our focus from negativity to a more Christ honoring way of thinking
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
B. Physical Health
B. Physical Health
But here's the thing: gratitude doesn’t just help us feel better emotionally—it actually helps us feel better physically, too.
People who practice gratitude sleep better.
Imagine that!
By taking time each day to focus on what you're thankful for, you can quiet your mind, reduce stress, and sleep more peacefully at night.
And that’s just the start.
Gratitude has been linked to lower blood pressure, a stronger immune system, and better overall health.
It’s as though our bodies respond to the positive emotions gratitude brings, helping us feel more energized and healthy.
When we’re thankful, we’re less likely to be overwhelmed by stress, and that means less strain on our hearts and our bodies.
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 17.22
22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: But a broken spirit drieth the bones.
And Psalm 103:2 tells us...
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits:
So the scientists agree with the Bible on this.
C. Relationships
C. Relationships
Now, let's talk about relationships.
Whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues, we all need strong connections with others.
And guess what?
Gratitude is one of the best ways to strengthen those relationships.
When we express thanks to the people in our lives, it deepens our bonds.
Saying “thank you” or showing appreciation—whether it’s through a note, a gesture, or just a kind word—helps people feel valued, and that makes our relationships stronger.
In fact, research has shown that couples who express gratitude toward each other are happier and more satisfied in their relationships.
Gratitude helps build trust and emotional closeness.
But it's not just about romantic relationships—grateful people are also more likely to help others, volunteer, and engage in acts of kindness.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
When we live with gratitude, it naturally leads us to care more about others, and that kindness circles back to us.
Gratitude is essential for peace in the body of Christ.
It fosters harmony and unity among believers, helping us to build each other up in wisdom and encouragement.
D. Self-Esteem
D. Self-Esteem
Gratitude can also work wonders on our self-esteem.
Gratitude helps us to appreciate ourselves and our lives, recognizing the goodness that God has given us.
The Bible reminds us to be thankful for what God has done for us and to value ourselves as His creations.
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well.
How many times do we find ourselves comparing ourselves to others, wishing we had what someone else has?
Gratitude pulls us out of that cycle.
When we focus on what we do have—what’s good in our lives—it helps us see our own worth more clearly.
We start to appreciate ourselves, just as we appreciate the people around us.
Studies show that people who practice gratitude regularly have better self-esteem and a more positive outlook on life.
Instead of focusing on what we don’t have, gratitude helps us celebrate what we’ve been given.
And when we feel better about ourselves, it’s easier to face life’s challenges with confidence.
E. Resilience
E. Resilience
We can Bounce Back with Gratitude
Life isn’t always easy—we all face difficulties.
But people who practice gratitude tend to bounce back from hard times more quickly. Why?
Because when we focus on the things we’re thankful for, it helps us keep going.
It gives us perspective and strength in the face of hardship.
We can remember God’s goodness and promises to help us even in tough circumstances.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Even when things are hard, we can trust that He is using our trials to shape us and bring about something good.
When things don’t go the way we hoped, gratitude helps us see the bigger picture and find the lessons in tough situations.
Gratitude doesn’t erase the struggles, but it makes it easier to cope with them.
It’s like a buffer that protects our hearts from being completely overwhelmed by life’s challenges.
Remember you have God’s grace, if you will yield to Him, to get you through any trial.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Let’s talk just a moment about the science behind gratitude: What Happens in Our Brains
This next part is really fascinating: research has shown that gratitude actually changes the way our brains work.
When we express gratitude, we activate the parts of our brain that are linked to happiness and reward.
Those same parts that light up when we experience joy or love.
So, when you take a moment to feel thankful, your brain is literally rewiring itself to make you feel better.
This is in agreement with God’s Word as well, Romans 12:2
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
It’s not just a nice thought; it’s something happening physically inside you.
And get this: gratitude helps reduce the activity in the parts of our brain that deal with negative emotions, like fear and anger.
So, the more we practice gratitude, the less power those negative emotions have over us.
It helps us stay calm, centered, and more emotionally balanced.
So, when all is said and done, gratitude isn’t just a nice feeling—it’s a powerful tool.
It can change the way we feel, the way we connect with others, and even the way we take care of ourselves.
We can, as Colossians 3:2 says,
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
The more we choose gratitude, the more we experience peace, joy, and well-being.
It’s a simple but life-changing habit.
So let’s look at our text this morning and see a couple more things this morning.
II. Rejoicing is the Result of Gratitude
II. Rejoicing is the Result of Gratitude
16 Rejoice evermore.
The command to 'rejoice evermore' may seem daunting, especially when life brings challenges.
But the key lies in a grateful heart.
Let's begin by looking at ...
A. Gratitude as the Basis for Joy
A. Gratitude as the Basis for Joy
The first command in this verse is to “rejoice always.” It’s a command to live with joy.
It is not as a fleeting emotion, but as a constant, enduring attitude.
Gratitude is the foundation of this joy because when we truly recognize what God has done for us, joy naturally follows.
In Philippians 4:4 Paul echoes this same call to rejoice, emphasizing that joy in the Lord is meant to be constant.
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
It doesn’t depend on circumstances, but on God's faithfulness and goodness.
Many times the apostle Paul found himself in prison and yet sang praises to the Lord.
25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
He gives us a powerful example of joy that comes from gratitude.
Even in the deepest of trials, when he and Silas were locked in chains, they sang hymns of praise.
Their gratitude for God's salvation and faithfulness was so strong that it transformed their prison cell into a place of worship.
B. Gratitude as a Brightener of Perspective
B. Gratitude as a Brightener of Perspective
Rejoicing always requires a change in how we look at life, it’s purposeful.
It means choosing to focus on God’s goodness rather than our difficulties.
Gratitude is a practice that helps us reframe our problems through the lens of God’s sovereignty, reminding us that even in hardship, God is working for our good.
James tells us in James 1:2-4
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James teaches that even in trials, we can be joyful because of the growth and character that God produces through them.
Gratitude helps us see beyond the pain to the purpose that God has in our lives.
III. Regularity of Gratitude in Prayer Life
III. Regularity of Gratitude in Prayer Life
Gratitude can’t be just part of our lives, but a continual practice
Paul immediately goes into the next thing he wants the church members at Thessalonika to do...
17 Pray without ceasing.
A. Gratitude as the Power in Our Prayer Life
A. Gratitude as the Power in Our Prayer Life
The command to “pray without ceasing” implies a constant, ongoing connection with God.
Gratitude fuels this connection.
As we are thankful, our prayers become a flow of conversation with God, where we acknowledge His goodness and express our dependence on Him.
2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Paul tells us to be vigilant in prayer and to include thanksgiving.
Gratitude is not just an occasional aspect of our prayers but an ongoing, integral part of our relationship with God.
I mentioned George Müller last week.
He was a man who cared for over 10,000 orphans in his lifetime, was known for his incredible life of prayer and thanksgiving.
Müller often thanked God in advance for the provisions he believed God would send, even before they arrived.
His constant practice of prayer and gratitude resulted in many answered prayers, all to the glory of God.
B. Gratitude as a Perspective Adjuster in Prayer
B. Gratitude as a Perspective Adjuster in Prayer
Prayer is not just about asking for help; it’s about praising and thanking God for who He is and what He has already done.
When we pray with gratitude, our hearts are lifted to worship and our requests are framed by faith in God's goodness.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Here, Paul teaches that thanksgiving in prayer leads to peace.
Gratitude in prayer shifts our hearts away from anxiety and aligns us with God’s peace.
IV. Requirement of Gratitude in God’s Will
IV. Requirement of Gratitude in God’s Will
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
The foundation of gratitude is grounded not in our feelings but in our obedience to God’s will, which leads us to the undeniable truth that gratitude is a command, not a mere suggestion...
A. Gratitude is a Command
A. Gratitude is a Command
Paul’s instruction is clear: “In everything give thanks.”
This is not a mere recommendation but God’s will for His children.
Gratitude is an essential part of the Christian life, regardless of our circumstances, because it acknowledges that God is sovereign and good in every situation.
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
This passage reinforces the idea that thanksgiving should be a constant, ongoing attitude, in all situations.
It's not conditional on our circumstances, but rooted in who God is.
Job is a profound example of thanksgiving in the face of unimaginable loss.
Despite the devastation he faced—losing his family, wealth, and health—Job refused to curse God.
Instead, he responded with,
21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return thither: The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Job’s gratitude in the face of suffering was a powerful testament to his faith and trust in God's sovereignty.
B. Gratitude Conforms Us to God’s Will
B. Gratitude Conforms Us to God’s Will
When we give thanks in all circumstances, we align ourselves with God’s purpose.
Gratitude is part of living a life of worship and obedience.
It shifts our hearts to trust that God is using every situation, good or bad, for His glory and our ultimate good.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Giving thanks in every circumstance shows that we believe God is working for our good, even when we can’t see how.
It’s an act of trust in His perfect will and purpose.
Elizabeth Elliott was a renowned missionary, author, and speaker, best known for her work in Ecuador with the Waodani people.
Her husband, Jim Elliott, along with four other missionaries, was martyred in 1956 while attempting to reach the Waodani tribe with the gospel.
Despite her deep grief, Elizabeth continued her mission work among the Waodani, eventually leading many to Christ.
She later wrote several books, including Through Gates of Splendor and Shadow of the Almighty, which share her story of faith, suffering, and forgiveness.
Elizabeth’s unwavering trust in God’s sovereignty and her commitment to praise Him, even in the midst of heart-wrenching loss, is a powerful testimony to the depth of her faith.
She famously said, “God is God, and I dethrone Him in my heart if I demand that He act in ways that satisfy my understanding.”
Her gratitude for God’s sovereignty, even through heart-wrenching loss, testified to her faith and trust in God’s will.
Conclusion
Conclusion
As we come to the close of this message, I want to remind you that gratitude is more than just a feeling.
It's a decision—a choice that we make, regardless of our circumstances.
It's a command from God, not because He wants us to focus on what we lack, but because He knows that choosing gratitude transforms us.
It changes our hearts, our relationships, and even our health.
But above all, it brings us closer to Him.
Let me share with you a story of a man named John, a man who learned the true power of gratitude in the hardest season of his life.
John G. Paton was a missionary who faced incredible hardships and dangers in his ministry to the islands of the New Hebrides. When he first arrived, he and his young wife encountered violent opposition from the local tribes, who were hostile to the gospel. Tragically, his wife died shortly after they arrived, leaving him heartbroken and devastated. For much of his early years on the mission field, Paton was alone, enduring loneliness, constant threats of violence, and sickness.
Despite the overwhelming circumstances, Paton chose to focus on gratitude. In one particularly dark moment, when he was surrounded by danger and could easily have given up, he wrote, "I am in the hands of God; I have been placed here for a reason." He chose to thank God for the opportunities to serve and the faith that sustained him, even when his circumstances seemed unbearable.
Paton’s story is a testimony of how gratitude can change one's perspective even in the deepest sorrow. Over time, Paton’s efforts bore fruit, and many souls were won for Christ in the New Hebrides.
If fact, he lived to see the entire island of Aniwa profess Christianity. In 1899 Paton’s Aniwa New Testament was printed and missionaries were established on twenty five of the thirty islands of the New Hebrides.
Paton continued to give thanks to God for every small victory and never lost sight of the bigger picture of God's plan for his life. His ministry eventually helped bring Christianity to many islands in the Pacific.
Just as John G. Paton chose to focus on gratitude even when his world was crumbling, so too can we, in our own trials, find peace and hope when we give thanks to God. Gratitude shifts our focus from our problems to God's faithfulness and sustains us through life’s storms.
Church, I believe that right here, right now, God is calling us to make that same decision.
To choose gratitude, even when it’s hard.
Even when life doesn’t make sense.
Even when the storm is raging around you.
He’s asking us to trust in His goodness, to remember His faithfulness, and to declare, in the midst of it all, “Thank You, God.”
Will you take that step today?
Will you choose to give thanks, not for the trials, but for the One who will never leave you,
Who is working everything for your good?
Will you allow gratitude to change your heart, to shift your focus from what you lack to what you have in Christ?
How can we practically practice gratitude in our daily life?
It doesn’t have to be complicated.
Start small.
Every day, take a moment to reflect on a few things you’re thankful for.
You can write them down in a journal or just think about them in your head.
It doesn’t matter how big or small the things are.
Maybe it’s a beautiful sunset, a good meal, or the support of a friend.
You can also express your gratitude to others.
Tell someone you appreciate them.
Write a thank-you note.
Just say “thank you” and mean it. It can make a huge difference, both for you and the person you’re thanking.
Take a moment, right now, and think about the challenges you're facing.
Can you find something—anything—to be thankful for?
Even if it’s small, can you choose to focus on the goodness of God?
Today, as we leave this place, let’s make a decision to be people of gratitude.
