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The Power of Thanksgiving

Nov 22, 2015

Passage:Philippians 4:6-7

Preacher: Rick Blackwell

Detail:

The Power of Thanksgiving

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)

6  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

7  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

The Thanksgiving Theorem

(-a) + (P + S) + (T) x G = The Peace of God

 

1. Be anxious about nothing.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV)

6  Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

7  casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

2. Pray about Everything.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV)

17  pray without ceasing, 

3, Give thanks for anything.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)

18  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Gratitude and Well-Being

Dr. Robert Emmons, Emmons Labs, Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis

Summary of Findings

  • In an experimental comparison, those who kept gratitude journals on a weekly basis exercised more regularly, reported fewer physical symptoms, felt better about their lives as a whole, and were more optimistic about the upcoming week compared to those who recorded hassles or neutral life events (Emmons & McCullough, 2003).
  • A related benefit was observed in the realm of personal goal attainment: Participants who kept gratitude lists were more likely to have made progress toward important personal goals (academic, interpersonal and health-based) over a two-month period compared to subjects in the other experimental conditions.
  • A daily gratitude intervention (self-guided exercises) with young adults resulted in higher reported levels of the positive states of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, attentiveness and energy compared to a focus on hassles or a downward social comparison (ways in which participants thought they were better off than others). There was no difference in levels of unpleasant emotions reported in the three groups.
  • Participants in the daily gratitude condition were more likely to report having helped someone with a personal problem or having offered emotional support to another, relative to the hassles or social comparison condition.
  • In a sample of adults with neuromuscular disease, a 21-day gratitude intervention resulted in greater amounts of high energy positive moods, a greater sense of feeling connected to others, more optimistic ratings of one’s life, and better sleep duration and sleep quality, relative to a control group.

Children who practice grateful thinking have more positive attitudes toward school and their families (Froh, Sefick, & Emmons, 2008).

 

“Without gratitude, life can be lonely, depressing and impoverished,” said Emmons. “Gratitude enriches human life. It elevates, energizes, inspires and transforms. People are moved, opened and humbled through expressions of gratitude.” - See more at: http://growingleaders.com/blog/inverse-relationship-gratitude-entitlement/#sthash.8ApQy9bT.dpuf

 

A Sense of Gratitude and Entitlement Among Students

It is, according to Emmons, a “chosen attitude.” We must be willing to recognize and acknowledge that we are the recipients of an unearned benefit. This is especially rare among middle-class high school and college students who’ve grown up in a world that’s revolved around them; one that allows them to build a platform via social media without displaying value; one that repeatedly communicates they are “awesome” and deserve trophies just for playing. This world actually cultivates a sense of entitlement. Students feel they deserve any good they’ve received. It is, in fact, contrary to the growth of a spirit of gratitude. Entitlement is virtually the opposite of gratitude: as I feel more entitled, my gratitude shrinks in proportion.

Research indicates that gratitude is not merely a positive emotion—it can improve your health if cultivated. Research also indicates that students must give up a “victim mentality” and overcome a sense of entitlement and deservedness. Think for a moment. When someone feels entitled to something, there’s little need for gratitude: I don’t need to thank someone; I deserved the gift. In fact, these people are lucky to have me around. I’m amazing.

When we examine the areas where students struggle today, they are areas in which gratitude would actually aid them in their growth:

  • Energy levels and motivation.
  • Mental and emotional well-being.
  • Academic achievement.
  • Healthy, long-term relationships.
  • Dealing with tragedy and crisis.

 

- See more at: http://growingleaders.com/blog/inverse-relationship-gratitude-entitlement/#sthash.8ApQy9bT.dpuf

 

4. The Peace of God