There are well documented studies that show the benefits of giving thanks. With the national holiday coming up, it’s good to talk about the need for us to give thanksgiving in our lives all the time. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul says to give thanksgiving in all circumstances. There is a reason for that, and it’s not just to blindly give praise to God. The benefits are immeasurable, both for the person giving thanks and for those receiving it.
Some of the benefits are improved mental health, improved physical health, enhanced relationships, and personal growth. People who are grateful and give thanks every day typically have reduced stress and anxiety, better sleep, better immune systems, deeper connection, enhanced creativity, and so on. There is no mistaking that gratitude can literally alter the course and outcome of your life.
Psalm 100 is a psalm of thanksgiving. It begins, “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!” (vs. 1). We should “enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations” (vs. 4-5). God is good and when we give praise it changes the way we interact with each other, thereby changing the outcome of those interactions. We tend to give more of our time and emotions when we are thankful. And people notice it. We should always use our gratitude to show the kindness of the Lord!