"How Thankfulness Works" 

1Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

 Life is full of curve balls, but it's also full of blessings. We don't get to pick what comes our way, but we do get to choose how we respond. And it's our response that can result and healthy living and satisfaction in our souls. Here's how it works physiologically...  The emotions of joy and anxiety travel the same pathway in the brain. This means that if you choose joy, there is literally no room for worry in your brain. You can literally kick worry and negativity out!

So how do you choose joy? By giving thanks. By remembering all the good things that have happened, including the good things that have come out of the hard things. Cynicism will tempt you to think, "That's shallow and simplistic. I'm a realist, and life is hard!" Don't go there, OK? Cynicism turns people into miserable curmudgeons. Gratitude lifts our spirits and makes us a joy to be around. It's contagious, plus, it's commanded in scripture.  "Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Sound familiar? God's will for you is gratitude, and gratitude will change your world. It won't hurt anybody else's either.

With joy,
Pastor Fred