Give Thanks (2)

PHYSICAL BENEFITS

Counting blessings boosts your health. research has shown that grateful people have less depression and stress, lower blood pressure, more energy, and greater optimism.

Slows down the aging clock. In older adults, experts found that, a daily practice of gratitude even slowed down some of the effects of neuro-degeneration that often occurs as we age.

Puts the brakes on stress. Cortisol is often called the “stress hormone,” and when our bodies produce too much, it can deplete the immune system and raise blood sugar levels. A study conducted at the Institute of Heart Health Research Center in California found that positive emotions like appreciation significantly lowered levels of cortisol.

Being thankful helps you bond. Research by U.S. psychologists Sara Algoe and Baldwin Way indicates that gratitude also can lead to better relationships. The explanation may be connected to increased production of oxytocin, sometimes called the “bonding hormone” because it fosters calm and security in relationships.

Gratefulness = good for the heart and waistline? According to research Emmons cites in his book Gratitude Works!, people with high blood pressure who actively express thankfulness “can achieve up to a 10 percent reduction in systolic blood pressure and decrease their dietary fat intake by up to 20 percent.”

SPIRITUAL BENEFITS

Giving thanks to God also helps us guard against...

covetousness,

bitterness,

selfishness,

anger,

and other harmful attitudes.

Even when our circumstances are difficult, harmful, and demoralizing, thankfulness can help. We are not necessarily thankful for the difficult circumstance, but can give thanks for God's presence in the midst and what He promises to do through it.

Brothers & sisters I am convinced that we need to give thanks more frequently than we do for not only our physical well being but our spiritual well being. Maybe there has never been a time in our lifetime that it has been more important and needed than in the time we are living in right now. Which leads us to our first truth concerning thanksgiving...

Give Thanks in all circumstances

1 Thess. 5:16-18

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 NASB95

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

Give thanks for He is

good

Ps. 106:1

Psalm 106:1 NASB95

Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

generous

Matt. 7:11

Matthew 7:11 NASB95

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

life, love, & hope

merciful

Lk. 6:36

kind

Rom. 2:4

loving

Jn. 3:16

3. Give thanks for all the blessing we have in Jesus

James 1:17

James 1:17 NASB95

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

1 Pet. 1:3-9

caused us to be born again to a living hope

so that we can obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, and undefiled, and will not fade away

our salvation is protected by God

Philippians 4:4–7 NASB95

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO BE MORE THANKFUL IN OUR EVERY DAY LIVES

start every morning with a prayer of thanksgiving

keep a gratitude journal

state your gratitude to others in cards, phone calls, in person, or with a gift

read Psalms of Thanksgiving

commit to being thankful