The WaySample

SO MUCH

Listen to “So Much.”

Thankfulness is not just a feeling, but a posture of the heart. It’s a way we can acknowledge God’s goodness in every season. It’s really easy to be grateful when life is going well—when we have financial security, good health, and strong relationships. But what about when it’s the opposite? The true test of gratitude comes in times of difficulty.

Twelve years ago, I started experiencing severe anxiety. For years, it impacted every area of my life: relationships, school, work, social life, and self-worth. After a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder, I felt completely hopeless. Would I ever feel like myself again? Would I ever experience joy? Would I ever have peace? Why can’t I just be thankful?

After years of struggling, I came across a study that showed the impact on a person’s mind when focusing on gratitude. God intentionally created us with brains that release dopamine and serotonin when we focus on the things we’re thankful for—which boosts our mood. Thankfulness shifts our minds from fear, worry, and anxious thoughts to what’s positive, hopeful, and uplifting. Thankfulness is a choice!

So when anxiety crept in, I had a choice. Let it rule over me, or choose gratitude. It doesn’t come overnight, but there are ways we can practice gratitude daily:

• Start with prayer. Begin each day by thanking God for at least three things.
• Keep a gratitude journal. Write down moments of God’s goodness, big or small.
• Give thanks through worship. Sing praise to God or listen to worship music as a way to express your gratitude to Him.

Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 that we are to give thanks in all circumstances. Notice that he doesn’t tell us to give thanks for all circumstances, but in them. This means that even in hardship, suffering, and uncertainty, we can choose gratitude because of who God is and what He has done. He saved us. He gave us a new name and a new future. His mercies are new each morning. We have breath in our lungs. We have freedom from our sin and shame. We can call ourselves sons and daughters of the Most High God. We have so much to be thankful for!

All of this is possible with Christ! No matter what your current struggle is, it does not have to be your future. Take every thought captive, choose to replace each negative thought with thankfulness and praise, and watch how God meets you and shows you the way forward in His love. He is the Way!

—Rachel Hamm, Life.Church Worship Pastor

Give Thanks

Pause and think of three things to thank God for.

Check out this message from Nigel, Worship Leader on the song “So Much.”