Thankful? Grateful? REALLY? My world is falling apart, and you want me to be thankful?

Did you know that MRI studies have shown that when we focus on gratitude, it activates regions of the brain associated with reward, empathy, and decision-making?  These are the same areas involved in regulating emotions, reducing stress, and creating long-term well-being.  Neuroscientists have discovered that gratitude stimulates the release of dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals act like natural antidepressants, elevating mood and creating a sense of contentment.  Gratitude also reduces activity in the amygdala, the brain’s fear center, which is often overactive in times of stress and anxiety. By quieting this region, gratitude allows you to step out of fight-or-flight mode and into a calmer, more reflective state. The result is a brain that becomes more resilient, less reactive, and more capable of joy.  (https://www.sciencenewstoday.org/how-gratitude-improves-your-health-and-happiness)

I could go on about the health benefits of thankfulness (better physical health, more calm moments, and improved sleep as well as self-esteem) but I want to see how God fits into this. 

Paul was in jail when he wrote this to the Philippians (4:6-7) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

Thanksgiving is connected to peace.

When life is difficult and I don’t understand why God lets the things happen that he does, it is often helpful to remember that, as one piece of a much larger puzzle, my view looks small, flat, and I can only see a few other pieces near me. 

But God sees everything and has it all in his control.  His view is expansive, universal and misses nothing.

Gratitude helps us to look beyond ourselves and gain a better perspective on the situation. 

It is our path to peace, even in times of hardship. 

Our Creator knows that being thankful is good for us!

Lately I have been in a season where a lot of things seem to be going wrong for us.  Several family members needed physical help this year and we ended up traveling out of state 3 different times (and the year is not over yet!).  There were also multiple things I prayed for and didn’t get.  And I mean serious, job loss and physical harm type of things.  The storms of life hit, and I just can’t fathom what He is doing in these situations.  This is when Isaiah 55:9 comes to mind.

Isaiah 55:9 As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my (Gods) ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

So, do I BELIEVE, do I TRUST, will I OBEY?

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Col 3:2

If today finds you in a dark place, let me remind you to breathe.  To choose just one thing to accomplish, and to say something kind to yourself when you do.  Take a moment to be grateful for one thing, even a place to sleep or a beautiful sunset. 

Let’s take a step onto a new path…

Choosing to see what we have, not what we lack.

Scripture says, “Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me” (Psalm 50:23) having El-Elyon (the Most High God) in our lives is something to be grateful for each day.

Next Steps:

• Express “Thank you” to someone in your life whether by phone, mail or text.
• Start a gratitude journal, even if you only write once a week.
• Every time you have a negative thought, capture it and replace it with thankfulness.
• Begin each prayer with a moment of gratitude.
• Be the reason someone else can be thankful: choose someone to be patient with or be a helping hand when they need it.