This week we are talking about gratitude. Check out the blog here for the previous posts about this all important habit.
Today, let’s consider the benefits of giving thanks, or living a life of gratitude. The following passage is an important scripture to dissect if we are to think about the benefits of gratitude.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6.
I want to point out a difference in language that may seem small at first glance, but in fat, it is significance: the difference between advice that says give thanks FOR everything and one that says give thanks IN everything. IN implies that wherever you are, whatever you are facing, there is space to thank the Lord.
The juxtaposition in Paul’s instruction is worth noting. On the one hand, something seems to be causing enough anxiety that he is admonishing the Philippians to a) not be anxious, and b) take it to the Lord in prayer. In the middle he says to bring it to the Lord with thanksgiving. It begs the question: What are people to be thankful for if they are struggling with something big enough to cause anxiety and seek the Lord? The answer is found in another passage penned by Paul.
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
Paul says that we are to give thanks IN everything. You don’t need to thank the Lord FOR the storm you are in, but IN the midst of the storm, give Him thanks.
Why to we need to form a habit of giving thanks IN everything?
1. Giving thanks acknowledges the Lord as Lord of your life.
Offerings of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, even in the most dire circumstances, acknowledge that He alone is in charge and is sovereign.
2. Giving thanks changes aligns our perspective with Heaven’s perspective.
When we give thanks in all things, we are in essence saying we trust the Lord to get us through our circumstances. Bringing worship full of thanksgiving says, “I don’t understand this, but I trust YOU, Lord, so I offer You thanks for what You are about to do in my life.”
When you give thanks in all things, you align your heart with Romans 8:28 which says,
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
By giving the Lord what could be a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving you offer Him your trust that He is at work on your behalf.
3. Giving thanks takes your mind off of your circumstances to focus on God and others.
When you acknowledge God as Lord of your life, when you align your perspective to Heaven’s, you automatically shift your focus from the very circumstances that may be causing anxiety to the Lord.
Think about looking at your circumstances as looking down—I often call it belly button gazing because it is a view that is all about you. When you give thanks your chin automatically comes off of your chest and you begin to look up to Heaven, and are able to see and appreciate so much more that surrounds you.
You might just see others that need you—equipped with your unique gifts and talents—to help them through their storm.
4. Giving thanks transforms your anxiety to peace.
Thanking God in everything is an act of worship. It is praise. It is surrender, which brings peace in the midst of the chaos. It is why Paul goes on to tell the Philippians the result of bringing their anxiety to God with thanksgiving.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all [a]comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
Not only does thanksgiving usher in miraculous peace, it also serves as a sentinel posted around your heart and mind to keep you in that place of peace.
There are many more reasons why giving thanks to God in everything is beneficial. I hope that I have piqued your curiosity enough to give it a try.
Next week, as we gather to give thanks as a nation, many people face uncomfortable situations and relationships. If you are a person faced with such discomfort, I suggest that you use gratitude as a tool to help you successfully navigate the anxiety that can arise with the upcoming holidays.
Acknowledge God as Lord of your life, align your perspective with Heaven’s, focus on God and how you can help others, and then watch and see how your anxiety is transformed to peace, contentment, and joy.