Happy August, Friends!
How are you doing with your gratitude journaling challenge? I would be delighted to hear from you.
This year we have been focusing on the different aspects of gratitude – what is gratitude, overcoming negativity, types, and tips for developing gratitude.
This month, we’ll focus on The Benefits of Gratitude.
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The world is a magnificent and amazing place.
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Psalms 19:1
Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee. Nehemiah 9:6
And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O Lord: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints. Psalms 89:5
The above verses highlights one of the earth’s objectives, which is to reveal the majesty of its Creator. It does this by displaying the complexities of living cells, the diversity and complexity of life on earth, the stunning colors displayed in each sunrise and sunset, and the scientific preciseness of the law and physics and chemistry. All of these point to the Creator’s unfathomable creativity, intelligence, and power.
When we stop and pause to observe the beauty of a sunrise or sunset, smell the roses, or appreciate a breathtaking mountain top, or view the grandeur of the milky way, these moments as well as time spent with loved ones cause us to be grateful.
Benefits of practicing gratitude
Our attitudes can be greatly improved if we take time to express thanks for the blessings in our lives. Practicing gratitude helps us to change our perspective and turn our minds away from unpleasant thoughts and feelings. We then can begin to focus on positive aspects that we may have overlooked.
For example, you might have a flat tire while driving to work. It’s frustrating enough that you’ll be late and have to exert a lot of energy replacing the tire, but you can also think about the possibility that God may have allowed the flat tire to spare you from a terrible accident. You could reflect on how having a job allows you the money needed to pay for the repairs. Also, you can consider it a blessing to have friends you can ask for assistance.
Practicing gratitude releases serotonin and dopamine, brain chemicals associated with happiness and pleasure, reduces stress, improves mood, and may lead to lasting brain changes, promoting gratitude in the future.
Developing an “attitude of gratitude” not only benefits your health but also helps you feel better about the daily difficulties and frustrations we all face.
Below are a few ways that practicing gratitude can benefits us:
Better Physical Health
Gratitude improves sleep, mood, immunity, and reduces depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and disease risk. Positive gestures release oxytocin, connecting people and benefiting both parties. Sharing kindness leads to healthier and happier lives.
Better Sleep
Research suggests that expressing gratitude before bed improves sleep quality and reduces disturbances, possibly due to a more positive outlook.
Improved Focus and Self-worth
Gratitude fosters positive self-perception and abilities, making tasks easier to focus on. It reduces stress and encourages viewing challenges as opportunities, improving emotional resiliency and reducing stress levels in various aspects of life.
Here are a few prompts that can help you get started with your gratitude journal:
I’m not sure where it originated from, but my daughter likes to ask, “What is your high, your low, and your buffalo?”
- What was the best thing about your day? (Your High)
- What was the lowest point of the day and how can you improve on that? (Your Low)
- What was the strangest thing that you experienced today? (Your Buffalo)
The best part about practicing gratitude is that it takes very little time and it’s FREE! Plus, the potential benefits are out of this world!
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I pray that this month as you journal God’s blessings you will feel His presence in every aspect of your life and that you will remain aware of His presence throughout the month.
You can download a copy of the monthly Journaling Scripture Plan here:
https://charitymaeprosper.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/JS-2024-August.pdf
References:
- Life Application Study Bible: King James Version. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2004. Print
- Henry, Matthew, 1662-1714. (1991). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible : wherein each chapter is summed up in its contents: the sacred text inserted at large in distinct paragraphs; each paragraph reduced to its proper heads: the sense given, and largely illustrated with practical remarks and observations. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson Publishers
- https://answersingenesis.org/astronomy/the-splendor-of-gods-creation/
- https://www.conehealth.com/services/behavioral-health/outpatient-behavioral-health-care/7-benefits-of-gratitude/
- https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/can-expressing-gratitude-improve-health#:~:text=Studies%20have%20shown%20that%20feeling,problem%2Dsolve%20rather%20than%20appreciate.
- https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/how-heavens-declare-the-glory-of-god.html
