I Thess 5:18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
I recently read an article by Yale professor Laurie Santos. In the article she speaks about finding happiness in a dark time. She calls it “3 Blessings Exercise”. In her findings, Santos shows that we really can benefit from counting our blessings even when it feels like there aren’t that many blessings to be counted. Thats the fix. Whenever you are feeling down or having a bad day, just pause and write down 3 blessings that you are thankful for. Santos says, “The simple act of scribbling down three things you’re grateful for can significantly bump your mood, in some studies as quickly as within a couple of weeks. It’s completely free. It takes five to ten minutes a day. At the end of your day, just scribble down a few things that you’re grateful for right now.”
Being thankful and grateful is a medicine to our body, soul and spirit. It has been proven that thinking on thankfulness can:
- Reduce depression
- Get promotions at work
- Improve our self esteem
- Increase our energy
- Develop a strong immune system
- Decrease blood pressure
- Increase sleep quality
- Reduce and cope with negative stress
- Eat healthier
- Have deeper friendships
- Increase productivity
- Improve job performance
- Become more likable
- Reach goals faster
- Increase feelings of happiness and wellbeing
- Reduce negative emotions such as envy, hatred, and anger
- Increase positive emotions such as love and compassion
The Bible also speaks often of the “exercise” of thankfulness. Just taking time to think about thanksgiving, to get grateful, to behold our blessings is medicine to the Christian. The medicine of blessings aids many areas of the Christian life….
1 The Walk With God
II Cor 4:15 “For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.”
Counting my blessings glorifies God and cultivates my relationship and walk with God. Taking time to be thankful is not just for our benefit. It also allows me the opportunity to glorify God with my life. In doing so, I can see how God has worked, blessed and helped in my life. This strengthens my walk with God, my faith in God and my devotion to God.
2 The Will of God
I Thess 5:18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Counting my blessings and being thankful is the beginning of the Will of God for my life. There may be many questions in your life surrounding the will of God. Your who, what, when and where may not be clear, but the will of God begins with you thanking God for who He is and what He has already done. Being obedient to God’s command to give thanks is a simple but important part of God’s Will.
3 The Ways of God
The Way of God for the Christian is made pure and profitable by taking the time to count our blessings and think about being thankful. If you are serving the Lord in a struggling, stressful manor, the source of many of our strengths starts with gratefulness. The Bible speaks a lot on the benefits of beholding our blessings. Doing so brings…
Confidence– Phil 4:6-7
Contentment- I Tim 6:6-8
Commitment- Luke 17:17-19
Compassion- Psalm 136:1
Cheer- Psalm 126:1-3
Let me encourage you to take some time today and write down your blessings. The people or things you are thankful for. See how the medicine of blessings helps you.
Psalm 105:1 “O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.”
William Davis | Youth Pastor
Clays Mill Baptist Church | Lexington, KY
