The Blessings of Gratitude

   “I will praise the Lord no matter what happens.  I will constantly speak of His glories and grace.  I will boast of all His kindness to me.”  Psalm 34:1-2 TLB

   David’s words in the passage above have inspired and challenged me for decades.  Perhaps you feel the same way.  It’s easy for God’s people to praise Him in the good times.  But it’s in the dark times when it can be more difficult for us to give Him thanks.

   I did a brief study on some scientific research on the benefits of gratitude, and I was pleasantly surprised by the results.  Harvard University says, “Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”  Research overwhelmingly supports a definite connection between our level of gratitude and our overall well-being.

   The University of California says, “Gratitude can make people happier, improve their relationships, and potentially even counteract depression and suicidal thoughts.  Some studies have associated gratitude with a whole slew of benefits – from fewer aches and pains to improved sleep to better cardiovascular health.”  Science backs up God’s truth – that we are wired for gratitude, and we are at our best when we “thank the Lord at all times.” (Psalm 34:1 GW)

   How do we maintain an attitude of gratitude?  We continually thank God for the relationships He has blessed us with, including our spouse, our children, our parents, our siblings, and our friends – even our pets.  We give thanks every day for His peace, His joy, His wisdom, His strength, His favor, His grace, and His provision – for the fact that we have a roof over our heads, and that we have hot water to bathe in, and clean water to drink.  We express our gratitude for all of the conveniences that we are blessed with – our appliances and our devices, as well as our utilities and services.  And we don’t forget to give thanks for our health, our finances, our vehicles, our work, our job, and our ministry.  In other words, we continually count our blessings.

   God does not expect us to give thanks for the bad things that happen to us or to others.  But no matter what comes our way, we can rejoice in the Lord’s promise to work ALL things together for our good, because of our love for Him. (Romans 8:28)  Better health and wholeness are waiting for you if you will determine to “praise the Lord no matter what happens.” (Psalm 34:1 TLB)  Today, I say – “Join me, everyone!  Let’s praise the Lord together.  Let’s make Him famous!  Let’s make His name glorious to all!” (Psalm 34:3 TPT)

   Lord, make me the praiser and worshiper that You want me to be.  Teach me how to count my blessings every day, no matter what is going on in my life.  Fill me with an attitude of gratitude in ways that please You most.  Thank You that as I live a life of praise and thanksgiving, I will be happier, healthier, and closer to You than ever before!

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