One of the most (if not the most) repeated verse in all of Scripture is "
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever." This expression of praise that we read in the psalms is more than just a catchy phrase. It is a way of life.
Considering thankfulness as a lifestyle, I immediately think of
Philippians 4:6-7 "
Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Sounds simple enough. But to the one who has learned what it means to live in thanksgiving, these verses prove to be powerful. Thanksgiving is not a tag to place at the end of your requests. It is more than a means of demonstrating that you have faith. It is a lifestyle that allows the very peace of God to envelope you. A reminder that He is always with you.
I often hear people speak of thanksgiving as a means of worship. It is my belief that thanksgiving is worship. It is an
attentiveness to the goodness of God. It is an
awareness of His love which endures forever. It is the
assurance of His presence. Being thankful is a mindset that never needs to be broken. It keeps us focused, humble, and fully persuaded of His goodness. Thankfulness is a great surveyor of life. It puts things in perspective.
Thankfulness has its benefits. It's amazing to me that many people don't know the research that has been given to a life of gratitude. Here are some things to think about:
Grateful people are Happier
Grateful people are Less Stressed
Grateful people are More Social
Grateful people are More Purposeful
Grateful people Sleep Better
Grateful people have Fewer Health Complaints
Grateful people tend to have Increased Financial Well Being
And Grateful People are More Altruistic (Selfless).
The physical benefits alone make a life of thanksgiving more appealing. However, there is a spiritual side to all of this.
Thankfulness as a Lifestyle means...
#1 - You Don't Have to Be Anxious
If you don't have to be anxious then it means you can be bold, brave, calm, collected, composed, confident, cool, courageous, happy, quiet, unafraid, unconcerned, and unworried. These words are all antonyms of the word anxious. Which means you get to operate in the opposite.
#2 - You Can Converse With the Father Freely
No Pretense
No Attitude
No Discontent
When we are anxious or always considering lack, we find it difficult to pray. Rather than bringing everything before the Lord, we can find ourselves living in a spiritual temper tantrum. Shutting the Father out of our conversation. Isolating ourselves to sulk in our regrets. Thankfulness gives us a better perspective. It allows us to see His goodness fully. Therefore, there is no reason to hold back in our conversation with Him.
#3 - You Can Walk In His Presence Continually
The peace of God which surpasses all understanding is nothing less than His presence. He is Jehovah-Shalom. The Lord Our Peace. Thankfulness aids in the assurance of His presence and the protection of our heart and mind. Think with the psalmist once again: "Enter His gates with thanksgiving..." This was an old covenant way of thinking about worship. With His presence within you, the gate is always open. Thanksgiving allows you to be sensitive to His presence and mindful of His activity. What greater peace is there than to know that you are walking with Him.
Thankfulness is organic medicine for physical, mental, and spiritual health. It keeps us from staring off into the void of the great unknown and brings our attention back to the many blessings He has provided. Give thanks to the Lord. He is good. His love endures forever. There may be a lot of things we are unsure of in this life, but what we do know should bring incredible peace. There are questions that we have yet to answer, but we know Him. And He is enough.
Take time every day to be thankful. Your heart, mind, and body will be grateful. Enjoy the journey!
