Thankfulness

 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