I strive not to do what I do for applause or recognition. I sincerely seek to live for an audience of ONE. I truly long to hear those words from my heavenly Father one day, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” But...
But deep down, I appreciate being appreciated. I value being valued. Because I carry wounds from my past that came at the intersection of high expectations (both my own and others) and little appreciation, I developed a thick skin to protect myself. (An ineffective coping mechanism btw!) But God has extended the grace of his presence and the kindness of his words. He has brought much healing to my heart, filling holes and fueling healthy choices. So, while it’s not always comfortable, it has become much, much easier for me to both receive and give words and expressions of thanks.
Long before doctors and psychologists figured it out, God knew that it was more blessed to give. Thanksgiving is a displacive action. It pushes out negative thoughts and emotions. Nothing turns us into bitter, selfish, dissatisfied people more quickly than an ungrateful heart. And nothing will do more to restore contentment and the joy of our salvation than a true spirit of thankfulness. We are urged again and again to give thanks because God knew cultivating an attitude of gratitude would transform our lives.
The results are scientifically proven:
- Gratitude opens the door to more relationships. Not only does saying “thank you” constitute good manners, but showing appreciation can help you win new friends.
- Gratitude improves physical health. Grateful people experience fewer aches and pains and report feeling healthier than other people.
- Gratitude improves psychological health. Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions, from envy and resentment to frustration and regret. Gratitude effectively increases happiness and reduces depression.
- Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression.
- Grateful people sleep better!
- Gratitude increases mental strength and may play a major role in overcoming trauma. Recognizing all that you can be thankful for —even during the worst times—fosters resilience.
One sign of being full of the Holy Spirit is that we express thanks (Ephesians 5:18-21). When I live out of my old nature, I find the temptation to complain irrepressible, but the Holy Spirit causes the opposite. He makes it impossible for me to omit gratitude. Fault-finding comes naturally. Grace-finding comes supernaturally.
The good news is that we can all get better at this – God wants to help us get better at this! A study cited by Christian psychologist, Dan Allender, noted that it is possible to become more positive and grateful, but it takes intentional effort. It means that we daily pause and look up and around, counting our blessings and giving thanks to God and others regardless of our condition or circumstances.
The Apostle Paul expressed this thankfulness to each church at the start of virtually every letter. He singled out individuals too. Paul, and evidently the Holy Spirit, thought it was important to acknowledge individuals as well as the entire church body.
So, I want to take this opportunity to thank you. Thank you for caring, for praying, for serving. Thank you for each dollar you designate and entrust to Fellowship Bible Church. Thank you for expressing hunger to worship, deep desire to hear God’s Word, and an eagerness to welcome others. Thank you for seeking Christ and the advance of His Kingdom on earth. Thank you for hanging in there in this season of change and transition.
I thank God for you. That means I see you and I need you.
Fellowship, our elders and staff, see you. We need you. We do not take you for granted. We value and appreciate you and every seen and unseen act of kindness and service, every contribution you make as you give so freely of your time, talent, treasure, and testimony.
We look forward to giving you a HIGH FIVE this coming Sunday, May 31! Don’t forget to sign up HERE. Well done, good and faithful servant!