“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” – St Paul (1 Thessalonians 5.8)
Do you think Paul knew that gratitude in everything translated into the potential for greater psychological health and well-being?
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.” – Psalm 100
Do you think the psalmist knew the research on the 31 lifestyle benefits of gratitude reported by researchers?
Yes…the questions are rhetorical if not ridiculous, but revealing nonetheless.
It turns out, again, becoming a disciples and living as a disciple of Jesus blesses in untold and often surprising ways. It turns out, that, although the research into yet another psychological or sociological study is interesting, it is also superfluous.
If gratitude, in general is health-ful, gratitude to God for the gifts of eternal life then and overflowing life starting today, are trans-formative.
To illustrate in November, we’ll review and proclaim how gratitude to God changed the lives of 5 characters. We’ll start with Hannah from 1 Samuel 1 and 2 fame. Her thankfulness to God changed her life in ways that befuddle and amaze!
See you in worship,
Pastor Karl