This article is one of several concerning the importance of Mental Health and Christianity, researched and written by Mrs. Andrina Jordan (MA, LPC, NCC, CPCS). For more information about her practice, visit 712 Q.A.C.C. Counseling For The Soul, LLC.

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV

If we claim to be Christians, then gratitude should be a part of our daily lives. For many reasons, gratitude is good for the soul. Gratitude creates more joy, therefore improving your mood and developing more optimism.  Gratitude also improves relationships. It allows others to feel appreciated and creates a level of intimacy. Gratitude also offers physical health benefits.

As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 states, we should be thankful in all circumstances. This includes expressing gratitude during our trials and tribulations. Sure, this may be difficult, but it is very possible. I often challenge my clients in difficult times to name one good thing that has happened in the week. If they are able to identify something good in that week, then I ask them to name something good that has happened in the present day. We continue with this process as far as they can go, all the way down to the specifics of finding one good thing out of their current trial or tribulation.  These good things are the items that I encourage them to focus on and express gratitude for, remembering that our tribulations are for the glory of God and that there is a lesson to be learned from Him.  

What lessons have you learned from your own tribulations? Lessons are a blessing. They are good; something to be grateful for.  Why? Well, because it means that we are learning, growing, and hopefully, becoming wiser.  Wisdom positions us to be powerful beyond measure…powerful enough to control our own minds. Now that is something to be thankful for!

“To you, oh God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and power.” — Daniel 2:23, KJV

What exactly is praise? Praise is a way to show gratitude toward God or others. It is an expression of admiration, reassurance, or recognition. There are many different ways to offer praise.  One can offer praise through verbal or written words, songs, body language, dance, gifts, etc.

“…Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.” – Psalms 149:3, KJV

When we choose to praise God, we magnify his goodness and glory.  This act of praise keeps us focused on what is going well in our lives. As a result of our focus on gratitude, our brains begin to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for the contribution of feelings of joy, pleasure, motivation and happiness.  Because of this, it begins the process of relieving stress, worries, fears, and sadness. These are just a couple of symptoms of anxiety, depression, and acute stress disorder.

What you choose to focus on, you tend to get more of.  As parents, when we offer our children specific praise for a desired behavior, it reinforces and motivates them to continue in the behavior that had been praised.  The gratitude that we show our children triggers a release of dopamine in their brains as well. This, in turn, makes them feel good about their actions and creates a desire in our children to repeat the action in order to receive more praise. When the brain receives that praise, it again releases dopamine and our children not only feel good about the action, but also about themselves as a whole.  At this point, not only are we reinforcing a wanted behavior, but we are helping to build healthy, positive self-esteem. The nature of gratitude and the release of dopamine is cyclical.

When we offer gratitude to others, we are teaching them that they are valuable; that they matter to someone; that there is someone on this Earth that sees good in them; that they are worthy of being here because they have made a positive impact on someone else’s life.  Through the actions of showing gratitude, we teach others that they have purpose. As a result, we then begin creating more loving, trusting, intimate relationships with one another; connecting on deeper levels, and moving beyond the surface. This impact holds true for both the giver and the receiver. Now how powerful is that!

“…We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” — 2 Thessalonians 1:3, KJV

So, how can we begin to practice more gratitude?

• Join the church choir

• Join the praise and worship dance team

• Join the church band

• Keep a daily gratitude Journal

• Say thank you more

• Write someone a thank you letter

• At the end of every week, write down one good thing that happened in week, day, hour and present moment and thank God

• Take a walk in nature and absorb the beauty

• Learn to thank yourself

When we express gratitude on a consistent basis, we will experience improvement in our mood and our relationships.  We will develop a healthier, more positive outlook on life. We reduce the possibility of suffering from anxiety, depression, and acute stress disorder. We are more prone to engage in activities that improve our physical health. We begin to allow the light of God to shine bright within us for others to see. Therefore, positively impacting others and ultimately impacting the world.  Let’s make an impact that we all can be thankful for!

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.” — Proverbs 15:30, KJV

Note of Thanks: Praise the Most High God for choosing to use me as a vessel for his glory. Thank you to all who have taken the time to read this article and consider its content. Thank you, Pastor Deuel (and House of Light Ministries) for allowing me the opportunity to share with you and others. Thank you to all my friends and family who support and encourage me in this journey called life. I am truly grateful!