Gratitude

[00:00:00] Foreign. [00:00:06] Hey friends, it's Chuck Allen, and thanks for making time for the weekday podcast. Today we're leaning into grit and gratitude. I mean, the kind of unwavering gratitude that anchors us in the middle of crazy hectic seasons. [00:00:21] Like, especially when the wind's starting to blow. I mean, when, when life gets a little crazy and it feels like you could be in the middle of a tempest. [00:00:31] It's time to invite God's Word and some practical research to maybe shape this crazy busy week. [00:00:39] The Scripture Foundation I want us to look at today comes from a couple places. Let's start in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. [00:00:53] It's not saying be thankful for every trial, but in every circumstance find room to say thank you Lord. [00:01:00] Even when things feel uncertain. Gratitude is the will of God because it roots us in his goodness no matter what is swirling around us. [00:01:09] Another powerful verse from Colossians 2:7 says, Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with with thankfulness. [00:01:25] Now think about that. Overflow with thankfulness. There's the picture. A heart that is so full of the presence of God that gratitude just kind of spills out of your life. [00:01:36] Now here's where faith and science come together. [00:01:39] Did you know that researchers have found that practicing gratitude literally changes your brain? [00:01:46] Studies across the nation show that expressing and feeling gratitude releases dopamine and serotonin, those feel good chemicals that help us feel happier and more contented, even when nothing around us changes. And over time, developing a thankful gratitude mindset creates new neural pathways, rewiring our minds to notice the good and handle stress with greater resilience. [00:02:16] That sounds like what I need. How about you? [00:02:19] But that's not all. [00:02:21] A comprehensive 2023 meta analysis revealed that nurturing gratitude, whether through journaling, prayer, or simply naming and writing three things that you're thankful for each day, leads to better life satisfaction, fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, and an overall increase in positive mood and emotions. [00:02:42] Another review found that gratitude lowers depression symptoms, boosts self esteem, and strengthens social connections. It's like a ripple. [00:02:52] When we're grateful, we become more optimistic and more deeply connected to the people around us. You see, gratitude isn't just for our mental health, though. It is for our physical health. It shows up in our body as well. [00:03:08] More studies demonstrate that grateful people sleep better, have lower blood pressure improved heart health and even stronger immune systems. People who routinely practice gratitude experience less fatigue, fewer aches and pains, and are more motivated to make healthy choices. There's some fascinating research that suggests a grateful outlook can help you live longer, thanks to its effects on stress reduction and cardiac health. [00:03:38] So what are some takeaways on this Thanksgiving week? Think about gratitude and how should we make gratitude unwavering? [00:03:47] Well, here are three practical steps for today. Start and end your day by naming just one thing that you're thankful for. It can be as small as the taste of your morning coffee or as profound as the family God's placed around you. [00:04:01] Secondly, express your gratitude to someone else. A quick text, a note, A prayer of thanks. Gratitude multiplies when it's shared. [00:04:09] 3. When troubles come, let Scripture shape your response. [00:04:13] Like the psalmist said in Psalm 34:1 I will thank the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. Friends, gratitude is more than polite manners. It's a spiritual practice and a pathway to peace. [00:04:28] When we anchor ourselves in thanksgiving, we find God shaping us to endure, to rise above and overflow with joy. Not because everything is perfect, but because God is always good. [00:04:43] Let's pray together. Lord, help us to recognize your gifts today, big or small. Give us unwavering gratitude that roots our hearts in your love, shapes our minds for hope, and strengthens our bodies for the journey ahead. [00:04:58] In Jesus name, Amen. Thanks so much for joining me on this Thanksgiving Monday. Go today with a grateful heart and watch how God will transform your mind, your mood, your maybe even your body. See you next time on another weekday podcast. Bye now.