Gratitude is the Best Medicine

“Gratitude is the best medicine. It heals your mind, your body and your spirit and it attracts more things to be grateful for.”

– Unknown

I love a good quote. But this one is not just a bunch of beautiful words strung together. It’s actually a proven fact.

The word gratitude is thrown around lot this time of year but do we really know what it means?

Gratitude is thankful appreciation for what you receive whether tangible or intangible. By definition gratitude is the quality of being thankful.

With gratitude we acknowledge the goodness in our lives. And during that process it becomes quite evident that the source of that goodness lies outside of ourselves.The source of all goodness in our lives is God.

Gratitude acknowledges God’s goodness and favor in our lives therefore it connects us even more deeply to Him. That deeper connection sparked by gratitude brings a host of positive side effects with it.

But don’t just take my word for it.

Psychology research from doctors at the University of California shows that gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Research has proven that gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity and build strong relationships.

I need you to read that previous paragraph again. And another time if you have to.

It means that just by expressing thanks to the Creator, our lives are drastically improved. In other words, every area in our lives is positively impacted by simply saying thank you.

How simple is that? So simple that it seems unreal, right?

Science says it’s true. But so does the bible.

Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds

Philippians 4:6 - 7

So according to the bible, we don’t have to have anxiety about anything. All we have to do is pray and give thanks and He gives us peace.

The formula is simple:

Gratitude + Prayer = Peace

And during this holiday season (and in life in general!), who doesn’t need more peace? So c’mon let’s put it into practice today. Use the formula for peace. Share with someone who needs to hear it. An attitude of gratitude is truly the best medicine.

A Prayer for Gratitude

Thank you Lord for your goodness and for your blessings. Thank you that you are able to bring hope through even the toughest of times, strengthening us for your purposes. Thank you for your great love and care. Thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you that you are always with us and will never leave us. Thank you for your incredible sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Forgive us when we don’t thank you enough, for who you are, for all you do, for all that you’ve given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy. We love you and we need you, this day and every day. We give you praise and thanks, for you alone are worthy.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen