God Given Health and God Inspired Gratitude

The Harvard Mental Health Letter reports a connection between gratitude and general health. Psychologists organized a research study, asking two groups of people to write observations about their experiences very week, for ten weeks. Researchers instructed the first group to write about events and experiences they were grateful for. Researchers instructed the second group to note events they found aggravating. After ten weeks, both groups answered questions about their health. The group that noted things they are thankful for reported feelings of optimism, exercised more and visited their physician less than the group noting irritants. According to the study, there is a positive correlation between gratitude and health.

That is good news for Christian folks because we come from a long tradition of valuing gratitude and thankfulness. The scriptures encourage thanksgiving, time and time again. Paul tells the church in Thessalonica to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” (5:18). Psalm 118 instructs us: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Hebrews reinforces the lesson in saying, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful,” (12:28). I could go on and on, but the lesson is the same: express gratitude to God and others.

Keeping The Harvard Mental Health Letter study in mind, the Christian emphasis on thanksgiving isn’t just good for God and others. Gratitude is actually good for those who practice it. Expressing gratitude is ultimately a grace of God that blesses God’s people as they practice God’s will in thanksgiving.

As you go through the coming week, take time to communicate gratitude. Note what you appreciate about God and others. Tell others. Tell God. As you do, you will find joy in obedience to God’s will. And, you might just find better health along the way.