In Time’s article on “7 Surprising Health Benefits of Gratitude,” Ducharme discusses different benefits of being thankful. The seven benefits include how gratitude can make us more patient, improves relationships, improves self-care, improves sleep, stops overeating, can help ease depression, and give happiness that lasts. These findings aren’t too surprising as it makes sense that gratitude is directly linked to positive well-being. There’s a reason why Paul said in Philippians 4:4-7,
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 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.
As we rejoice in every circumstance, pray and give thanks in all situations, God’s peace surrounds and guards our hearts. Since the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our lives are all connected, as we are practicing good habits of choosing gratitude, it will also improve our physical well-being.
I started the discipline of choosing gratitude and giving thanks for the things in my life during a time when I was in a season of depression. As I chose to thank God for even the small things, such as seeing a beautiful flower, listening to good music, eating a delicious meal, or talking with a good friend, I found that eventually, my depression started to lift. Since then, I’ve tried to keep up the practice of giving thanks, and I’ve seen how this practice moves me from discontentment or discouragement, to a place of contentment, and seeing God’s work and gifts in my life.
This past week I’ve been meditating on Psalm 136. The psalmist writes, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever” (vs. 1). I love how the refrain of “for his steadfast love endures forever” throughout the whole psalm. As the psalmist recounts the amazing works of God, from creation to leading the Israelites out of Egypt, into the promised land, the psalmist reminds the people of God’s steadfast love that endures forever. This covenantal love is the love that God has for His people, which is why “God remembered us in our low estate” (vs. 23), and “rescued us from our foes” (vs. 24), and “gives food to all flesh” (vs.25). God did all of these things for His people “for his steadfast love endures forever.” The psalmist chooses to thank God, not only for the great things He has done, but for who He is and for His character. Through all circumstances, God’s steadfast love remains faithful and true.
In this way, I’m reminded how God’s steadfast love always endures and how He is faithful and present in my life. Through all of the ups-and-downs, and transitions of life, He is the one who is unchanging, and His love endures forever. Since my husband, Stanley, and I are currently in a season of transition, I’m reminded of God’s faithful and steadfast love to us. Even through the many changes, I can still stand on the foundation of God’s steadfast love.
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