Scripture: “That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.” – (26:7)
Observation: In this psalm, David is sharing his testimony. He is writing of how he strives to avoid the company of the ungodly. He chooses to follow God and His ways, and will not hesitate to proclaim the goodness of God.
Application: In this season of thanksgiving, it is easy to be thankful, but in truth, we should have that “attitude of gratitude” all year-round. Complaining and grumbling really doesn’t accomplish much. In fact, even 30 minutes of negativity on a regular basis can have potentially harmful physical and mental manifestations!
1. The Impact of Chronic Complaining
The Body: Studies show that constant complaining causes cortisol levels to rise resulting in elevated blood pressure and stressing the cardiovascular system. Additionally, the immune system actually can weaken with all the negative thinking. Headaches, insomnia, and even weight gain can occur with all the grumbling! The brain develops alterations in how the nerves travel, weakening their pathways and the ability to think clearly lessens.
The Mind: With continued complaining, stress levels increase. Anxiety goes up and up! Memory issues and cognitive functioning are dulled. Relationships suffer as complaining can cause others to avoid being around you. This can lead to feelings of isolation and even depression.
On the other hand, replacing the habit of complaining with a thankful mindset can be extremely beneficial to body, mind, and soul!
2. The Impact of Cultivating Thankfulness
The Body: Being grateful enables a person to better handle the stresses in life and lessens the release of adrenalin (the fight or flight hormone), which then leads to a calmer nervous system and helps the cardiovascular system function better. Sleep improves. Thinking becomes clearer. Two brain hormones, dopamine and serotonin, are released when having a thankful attitude and these result in feelings of happiness and joy.
The Mind: Thankfulness produces a greater satisfaction with life which causes anxiety levels to drop and depression is reduced. Along with these changes, the mindset shifts to where an individual begins to see the positive side of life in general generating contentment and peace within oneself.
So, now that we understand the benefits of gratitude, what is there to be thankful for in this chaotic world in which we live? David answered this question in today’s verse. He was thankful for the works of the Lord. Here’s a very short list to help get you started:
Give thanks to God for:
- His everlasting love for you
- “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love…” – Jeremiah 31:3
- His creation
- “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” – Revelation 4:11
- His gift of salvation
- “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” – Ephesians 2:8
- His gift of eternal life
- “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23
- His help in times of need
- “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” – Isaiah 41:10
- His peace
- “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
- His mercy and forgiveness
- “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.” – Micah 7:18
Before you get out of bed each morning, take a moment to thank God for something. Some people keep a “gratitude journal” at their bedside, so they can jot down the things they are thankful for every morning! It only takes a moment, but it will start your day off right with an “attitude of gratitude” and a focus on the One who deserves to be thanked more than anyone else!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for all You are! You are my Father, my Saviour, my Comforter. You are my God, and my heart rejoices in You! Thank You for Your many blessings, first and foremost, my salvation. You forgave my sins and gave me everlasting life! I am so undeserving, yet so blessed! Thank You! Instill in me a heart of gratitude, and help me to see Your hand… Your wonderous works… in everything and everywhere I go! In Jesus’ precious name and with great thanksgiving in my heart, I pray. Amen!
Some thank the Lord for friends and home, for mercies sure and sweet;
But I would praise Him for His grace — in prayer I would repeat:
Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul, thank You, Lord, for making me whole;
Thank You, Lord, for giving to me thy great salvation so rich and free.
Some thank Him for the flow’rs that grow, some for the stars that shine;
My heart is filled with joy and praise because I know He’s mine.
Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul, thank You, Lord, for making me whole;
Thank You, Lord, for giving to me thy great salvation so rich and free.
(from “Thank You Lord for Saving My Soul” by Bessie Sykes)
**********
“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night.” – Psalm 92:1-2
Amen!