Believe it or not, being thankful is the path to better health. Paul said, in Philippians 3:6-7; “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  

It seems like the topic of our lives centers around our health. The question is often asked, “how are you doing?”

Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D, a psychology professor and his colleague Michael E. McCullough did a research on the difference between grateful and ungrateful people, and they discovered that grateful people had less depression and stress, lower blood pressure, more energy, and greater optimism. 

So, in the month that we set a day aside for thanksgiving or giving thanks, it seems like we would be a whole lot more healthier society if we were a whole lot more thankful. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says; In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 

There it is, the key words, the words that we could easily miss, “In everything give.” If we give thanks in everything we are in the will of God. We have to be thankful for both the good times and the bad times. God never promised an easy life or days without troubles, trials, difficulties, and temptations.  He never promised that life will be perfect.  We have to be thankful when it is all going smoothly and be thankful when things are very difficult. Be thankful for everything. 

Psalm 103:2-5 says; Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

It seems to me that we are encouraged to be thankful. The charge is to be thankful. So be thankful, your health depends on it.

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