Counting Blessings Cuts Down Stress
Counting Blessings Cuts Down Stress | November 23, 2023
According to the National Council For Mental Wellbeing, having thankful thoughts is highly advisable. They write, "Research has shown that consciously practicing gratitude can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Studies have found that a single act of thoughtful gratitude produces an immediate 10% increase in happiness and a 35% reduction in depressive symptoms. These effects disappeared within three to six months, which reminds us to practice gratitude over and over." Another organization, the Anxiety Disorders Association Of America, adds, "Gratitude is a mental health game changer."
As we can see, some of the experts in the field of mental health agree that counting your blessings cuts down some of those inward struggles, such as anxiety, depression, stress, and worry. However, the concept of counting your blessings comes from God. Scripture contains several notable examples and direct instructions concerning gratitude.
Psalm 9:1, "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds."
Psalm 103:2, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."
Based on these verses, you must be diligently mindful of your blessings. This practice should be amplified on Thanksgiving and other special days, but it shouldn't stop there! We should develop the habit of counting our blessings. When we do so, we stand to benefit medically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. Counting your blessings helps distance you from discouragement and disheartenment.
Your attitude, aptitude, and overall attributes will improve when you give thanks. Thus, your character qualities shine brighter when gratitude is on your heart and lips.
No wonder Roman Statesman Cicero once said, "A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue but the parent of all the other virtues."
Knowing this, look to pay extra attention and give detail to noting the benefits of God. In every provision, open door, closed door, promotion, position, healing, miracle, and breakthrough, give thanks to the Lord for His goodness. Isaiah 12:4-5 declares, "Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; make them remember that His name is exalted."
With this in mind, may God bless you with a fresh and new awareness of His blessings. May He bless you and your family with His peace that comes from a grateful heart.
Happy Thanksgiving!
As we can see, some of the experts in the field of mental health agree that counting your blessings cuts down some of those inward struggles, such as anxiety, depression, stress, and worry. However, the concept of counting your blessings comes from God. Scripture contains several notable examples and direct instructions concerning gratitude.
Psalm 9:1, "I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds."
Psalm 103:2, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."
Based on these verses, you must be diligently mindful of your blessings. This practice should be amplified on Thanksgiving and other special days, but it shouldn't stop there! We should develop the habit of counting our blessings. When we do so, we stand to benefit medically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. Counting your blessings helps distance you from discouragement and disheartenment.
Your attitude, aptitude, and overall attributes will improve when you give thanks. Thus, your character qualities shine brighter when gratitude is on your heart and lips.
No wonder Roman Statesman Cicero once said, "A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue but the parent of all the other virtues."
Knowing this, look to pay extra attention and give detail to noting the benefits of God. In every provision, open door, closed door, promotion, position, healing, miracle, and breakthrough, give thanks to the Lord for His goodness. Isaiah 12:4-5 declares, "Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name. Make known His deeds among the peoples; make them remember that His name is exalted."
With this in mind, may God bless you with a fresh and new awareness of His blessings. May He bless you and your family with His peace that comes from a grateful heart.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Checkout this message on Gratefulness:
Posted in Thankfulness
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Focus On FaithfulnessBe Faithful Where You Are NowFaithfulness Requires Patience God's Perfect FaithfulnessGod Blesses FaithfulnessStart Your Year In ChurchGod's Forecast Of Forgiveness Avoid Self-Pity You Can Overcome Distraction White As SnowJumpstart Your Health With FastingMaintain An Active Church Membership Your Most Important DecisionTake Ownership Of Unhealthy Choices
February
Take Notes When Reading The Bible Alternatives To AnxietyYou Need A SquadGod Has Super Bowls Of BlessingFocus On Obedience, Not the Odds We Accomplish More Together Kindness Is Good For Your HealthKindness Is Remembered And RewardedLoose Lips Sink CredibilityKind Words Promote HealingEvaluate All ExcusesTreat People RightComplaining Is Not HealthyLeap Forward In Your Faith
March
May
June
Praying About Panic and PainSurround Yourself With Good People God's Promise To Those Who WaitPrepared By Your PastProtect Your Torch Faith And Flag DayTrust God To ProvideReceiving The Father's BlessingPray Before Making DecisionsGod Is Our Mighty Fortress Carry One Another Remove Whatever Is Contaminating Your MindPray Early And Often Reverence For God's House Trust God For The Impossible What To Do In Times Of Trouble
July
Refuse To Give UpTalk To God During Extreme TestingCelebrate FreedomDelivered From FearPut On Shame RepellentGod's Ears And Our TearsAngels Are In Your CornerTaste God's GoodnessBreak Free With HonestyGod Is Fully Aware Of Your AdversityWe Can Defeat WorryGetting Into A Peaceful State Of MindHealthy Fear Leads To BlessingTrust God To ProvideWellness And Your WordsChase Whatever God ApprovesAre Your Problems Backing You Into A Corner?What To Do When You Drift From God?Think About Releasing Your Stress
2023
August
Good Decisions Require Discernment Live By God's PowerPraying For Real ComfortGetting In Rhythm With GodAvoid Self-Righteous PrayersKeep Your Promises With GodMercy Leads To HappinessAddress Any Self-Righteous AttitudesPraying With ConfidenceHow Does God See You?Turn Away From Whatever Gets You StuckStop Talking About Your ProblemsOur Prayers Reach God's EarsStress Management Starts In The MorningFollowing ChristNavigating The Darkness Of This World Measure God's PromisesLittle Light Of MineGet Your Priorities In OrderPraying Without Results Can Be Tough
No Comments