Present your needs to God in every form of prayer and in petitions full of gratitude. Then God’s own peace, which is beyond all understanding, will stand guard over your hearts and minds, in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6b-7
I believe thankfulness to God is the key to
happiness and contentment in this life. I have always been a “glass half empty”
type of person. Many years ago I had a serious problem with ongoing depression
from which I was healed through the grace of God. But I still find that I have
to guard against a spirit of melancholy and sadness; of looking at the dark
side rather than the bright side of life.
Many years ago, my spiritual director suggested that I keep a Thanksgiving journal; writing down
something each day that I am thankful for. It has since evolved into a journal
where I record not only the things I am thankful for in my life, but the many
blessings, healings and miracles that have occurred in the lives of my family.
When bad things happen (as they do to all of us), I go back and read about all
the good things God has done in and for me and my family. It lifts my spirit
and helps me keep the present trial in perspective.
I would like to suggest that you consider starting
a Thanksgiving journal for yourself. Another suggestion is to include prayers
of thanksgiving in either your morning or evening prayers. In my evening
prayers, I try to think of three things about that day that I am thankful for. I
also set aside one day a week as a “Thanksgiving” day where I thank God for
those intentions or people that I pray for on the other days.
The Psalms in Scripture are also a good way to
focus on thanking God. The following are some I use that you can copy and use
as a bookmark in your Bible.
Thanksgiving Psalms
16 – for blessings
18:1-7 – for strength
30 – for healing from serious illness
40 – Gratitude & prayer for help
41 – after sickness
65 – for abundant blessings
100
- Thanksgiving
103
– Praise of Divine Goodness
112
– for blessings
116
– for help in time of great need
118
– Hymn of Thanksgiving
138
– Hymn of a Grateful Heart
