As I write this final blog edition for 2023, I must write about Gratitude and thanksgiving. Yes, for some, 2023 may have had its fair share of challenges; however, despite circumstances amid adversity and challenges, the goodness of God is always evident when we truly look for it. Research shows that Gratitude has tremendous benefits Psychologically, Physically and Socially.
The Multifaceted Benefits of Gratitude
Psychologically:
Positive thoughts and emotions help you become more aware and awake mentally and emotionally which increases satisfaction and enhances your mood.
Physically:
It helps strengthen your immune system, optimising blood pressure and cardiac function as well as helping with better sleep-wake cycles.
Socially:
It helps you with better communication, empathy, and stronger interpersonal relationships resulting in more people wanting to be around you.
Supernaturally:
Gratitude invites the presence of God into your circumstances and makes room for the supernatural to take place. Before Jesus fed the multitudes, He gave thanks, and the fish and loaves multiplied. See Mark 6:41-44 God Himself before He had lifted His Son on the cross, at the time of Jesus being Water Baptised, having Gratitude and adoration towards His Son. See Matthew 3:17
Scriptural Insights on Gratitude
“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness and delight;
Come before His presence with joyful singing. Know and fully recognise with Gratitude that the Lord Himself is God; It is He who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]. We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving And His courts with Praise. Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting, His faithfulness [endures] to all generations.”
Psalms 100:1-5 AMP
Joyful singing invites the presence of God. The Bible says that “He Enthrones the Praises of His saints”. Scripture shows the singers and musicians going before the armies into battle. There is something powerful and supernatural that takes place when we carry a joyful sound in our hearts.
“And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the LORD, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the LORD,For His mercy endures forever.” 2 Chronicles 20:21
We are told in Psalm 100:4 to “Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving.” A gate is a port, opening or access point to a secure location. We are also told that the way into the courts of God is through Praise. Courts refer to a place surrounded by an area with a barrier or defence from attack. This tells me that when my life is filled with thanksgiving, adoration and confessions of the goodness of God, we have bold access into the secret place of God where His presence saturates our lives. When we Praise God, His presence becomes our shield.
So not only does Gratitude have Psychological, Physical and Social benefits, but it also has tremendous Spiritual implications, sometimes beyond our natural comprehension.
“Confessing the goodness of God and adoration towards God is the access point that opens a realm of His presence. Boasting on the goodness of God becomes a defence mechanism that surrounds us, from attack and becomes a barrier.”
– Shaun Smit.
Practical Applications of Gratitude
As you move into 2024, reflect on 2023 and make a list of all the good things, small or big, God has done. It could be the fact that you have to breathe in your lungs. You may have a roof over your head or just maybe part of an incredible Church. There is always something you can be grateful for.
When challenges and obstacles arise, bring that list out and reflect on the goodness of God to re-align your hearts and minds to God’s goodness.
“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.” – Acts 16:25-26 NKJV.
Paul and Silas were in prison; you could say the darkest moment of their lives, yet they decided to Sing and give praises to God. All those who were in jail observed their response and marvelled. This act invited the supernatural into their situation, which caused their prison doors to open.
As you move into 2024, remember this basic yet powerful principle. When you find yourself in situations and circumstances that you never intended, nor do you have a way out of, begin to change your heart to a state of Gratitude and begin to Praise God for His faithfulness and goodness endures from generation to generation.
May you have a blessed 2024 filled with Gratitude, expectation and the supernatural in all areas of your lives.
This blog was inspired by Ps Shaun‘s message at Faith Legacy Believers Church on the 31st of December, 2023. You can view the message below.
Thank you. For the time and effort you put into these messages.