Thanksgiving is in a few days and I wanted to focus our time today on some of the benefits of giving thanks.
Recently, I read an article on how giving thanks stimulates the parts of our brains that leave us feeling happy.
I know from personal experience that when dealing with loss, setting my mind on thanking God for the time I had with my loved one has carrying me a long way on the path to healing.
Giving thanks takes our primary focus off of ourselves and resets it on the one we are thankful to and for what they have done for us.
It also is a declaration of dependence on God for His provision.
We are reminded of His grace and His mercy in all that He provides for us.
It’s a healthy choice for our body, soul and spirit to practice expressing gratitude for all that God has given us.
Our brains benefit, our souls are uplifted and encouraged and our spirits connect with God’s presence in us.
Perhaps, this is one of the reasons why Paul included
“in all things, give thanks”
to his short list of exhortations at the end of 1 Thessalonians 5.
It’s simply God’s will for us to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all things.
If we train our minds to find our joy in the Lord, to have an ongoing dialogue with Jesus and to find something to be thankful for in all situations, we are going to be in a good place – body, soul and spirit.
I know I am not the only one who is going to be without a loved one for the first time this Thanksgiving.
While I miss my mom, I am so thankful that she is so very happy.
I am not going to focus on not having her; rather, I am focusing on her happiness and that soon and very soon we are going to be reunited at the Wedding Feast of the Lamb.
So, thank You, Lord, for all that You have done for me and thank You for Your promise that You are coming to get us, Your bride, and take us to the place You have prepared for us as we celebrate our union with You.
Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!
Blessings!
Robyn Henning