“Thanksgiving: A Time for Being Thankful”

Philippians 4: 4-9 

  Research has shown that the healthiest emotion a person can have is gratitude. It makes you feel better, live longer and can even relieve stress. If you’re a grateful person, you’re a person living in the center of God’s will. God desires that we have a continuous  attitude of thanksgiving.So what is the problem? Why aren't we more thankful for all that we have?

I. The Christmas season immediately follows Thanksgiving:

Our problem is that the day after Thanksgiving we start shopping. Our focus becomes on what we can get; and that attitude does not create a sense of contentment.

“Half the world is unhappy because it can’t have the things that are   making the other half unhappy.”

II. The solution to our problem: Philippians 4: 4-9

1. Stop worrying: Paul said, “don’t fret.”Worrying is stewing without doing. In Matthew 6:34 Jesus told us not to worry about tomorrow.

2. Pray about everything:Paul said to pray and not worry. Do you say you do not have  time to pray? If you use the time you have worrying for praying than you’d find the time to pray. 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast your cares on him, because he cares for you.”

3. Be Thankful in all things: (Not “for” but “in” every circumstance)

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

There is a difference and this gets mistranslated. We are not asked to be thankful for the bad things in the world; I am not thankful for war or sickness or poverty. But in those circumstances I can maintain gratitude. What are you thankful for? Have you had a bad year and so you don’t feel very thankful? Listen to this list!

I am thankful for...

4. Give more than you receive: Thanks and Giving go together! Review your commitment. Does it reflect how gracious you are?

These steps will bring peace to your holiday pace!