Follow Along with the Message

Gratitude Makes Me Healthier (Part 1)

Pastor Tom Lundeen

...gratitude isn't intended by God to just be a one day a year event  into a small part of feasting and football games. 

It's  by our Creator to be a 365 days a year experience and attitude that shapes and molds our lives in extraordinary ways. 

There are at least  verses in Scripture that reference in some way gratitude and thanksgiving.

Gratitude is so important to God because He tells us that it is to be the primary  behind everything in our lives (note 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Ephesians 5:20).

And gratitude matters so much because God  it with blessings and benefits. 

Today, let's discover how gratitude helps us  negative emotions in healthier ways. 

Gratitude helps us: 

1. Deal with the  from Our Past (note Philippians 1:1-3)

Note Acts 16:6-10, 13-39

Paul could have easily viewed his experience in Philippi as a frustrating  after beginning with such an exciting vision. 

And yet, Paul looks back at his experiences in Philippi with  to God.

Note 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Ephesians 5:18-20

Practicing gratitude is a  activity. 

It focuses our hearts and minds on God and his  for our past, and not just our pain and struggle. 

Note 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

Practicing gratitude gives us spiritual  surgery...

Gratitude also helps us:

2. Process Today's  with Thankful Prayer 

(note Philippians 4:6a)

We are living in a time where worry and anxiety  our culture...

Don't worry, be happy . 

We have to  worry with something else (note Philippians 4:6).

It's actually not  to just stop worrying...from a human perspective. 

We may be freed from all burdensome care and feverish  because we may refer all our distresses and problems to God in prayer. (Martin)

Anxiety and prayer are more  to each other than fire and water. (Bengel)

Note Philippians 4:7

Thankful prayer is the  to personal peace, a peace that only God can give (transcends all understanding).

 = soldier standing guard.

God's protective custody of those who are in Christ Jesus extends to the  of their beings and to their deepest intentions. (Gaffin)

What's my gratitude adjustment?:

•  is catching up to God's truth about how gratitude can help us be emotionally healthier. 
• Research has shown that practicing gratitude can reduce , depression, and anxiety, and improve sleep quality, self-esteem, and overall happiness. 
• When we express gratitude, our brains release dopamine and serotonin...these  can help us feel happier, more content, and less stressed. 
• Psalm 75:1, NLT - We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds. 
• Colossians 4:2, NCV - Continue praying, keeping alert, and always thanking God. 

Tell someone about the next step you took today in your spiritual journey! Let us know, too, and fill out our digital connect card.