What happens when you express your gratitude?  Is there something magical about saying the words?

Well sort of.  Because it’s easy for us to lose perspective.  That problem you’re facing (with your spouse, your teen, your boss, your bills, your health, etc.) has a way of dominating your mind.  It drowns out all the other aspects of life, and screams for your attention.  It’s the squeaky wheel…and so you focus on it.  And in the process, you lose perspective.

Expressing gratitude may not change the problem you’re facing.  Your credit card debt won’t disappear because you stopped to say thank you.  And your kids won’t magically behave.  But expressing gratitude will change your perspective.  You’ll realize that not everything is a problem.  You’ll find room to squeeze a bit of joy into your challenging life.  And it’s quite possible that your vision will be expanded to see the God behind the blessings in your life.  Which can only lead to confidence, hope and more.

All of which is why Paul, the apostle in the early church, wrote these words:

Don’t be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:6-7, emphasis added)

In other words, gratitude expressed leads to real, powerful peace.  That sound almost magical.  But it’s true.  Try it today.  And while you’re at it, try to work on memorizing those two verses.  They’re our current project in our Celebration Challenge for this year.  I can tell you from personal experience they literally have the power to change your life.

Thanks for reading.  Feel free to add your comments below.

Pastor Mark

P.S. Our Celebration Challenge prayer focus this month (on the 25^th) will be a special web site to voice your own prayers of thanks.  Watch for it on November 25^th.