The Gift of Thankfulness

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thess 5:18

 



I've been thinking of posting this for a little while, but life has its way of getting away...

I want to tell you how the gift of thankfulness has changed my life. How it is transforming my mind, and molding my attitude. I want to tell you how I was first introduced to the discipline of thankfulness, and how the power of 'be thankful always in all things', a command from God's holy word, has changed and is changing this ungrateful, often earthly-focused gal.

  I was an over-achiever, highly motivated, eternally optimistic, 'yes' kind of gal, focused on my service-based-acceptance Christian life, who hit rock bottom in 3rd year university. Apparently I had fried my brains (burnout they say) saying 'yes' to everything, and running on an empty tank. I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and put on strong sedatives initially, and then started my 'life-long' prescription of anti-anxiety/anti-depressant meds. (Looking back, I likely struggled with anxiety since I was 10). God graciously dealt with me that year...I was able to finish university, and I have worked for the last 6 years in pediatric cardiac nursing in a large city hospital.

 

  Over the years I have hit some more deep lows, including suffering from a broken back less than 6mnths after starting work, and dealing with chronic debilitating pain for over a year...not knowing if I would ever be free from pain and work again! I sunk into a deep depression and maxed out on my meds...convinced I would never be free from the anxiety and depression that seemed to be controlling my life.

 

  I tried multiple times to wean my meds, focusing on exercise, rigid routines etc...but less than a month into it I would find myself each morning, doubled up with anxiety, unable to get out of bed. I was still clinging to God, still reading and praying, and talking and walking with God...but could not be freed from this anxiety. No amount of self-talk or convincing would help. So I continued, maxed out on meds, managing just fine with a busy work, personal and church life.

 

  Last summer, my discipleship partner encouraged me to read the book 'One Thousand Gifts' by Ann Voskamp, and we challenged each other to start our list of one thousand gifts. The list has continued. I carry it with me wherever I go, and update it on the subway, at the coffee shop, on a break at work, in the quiet of my room, making mental notes throughout the day of his rich blessings. It has changed my outlook on life's circumstances. It has changed how I read my Bible. How I commune with God. How I worship. and the list goes on. Perhaps most significantly, it has changed my mind. Last fall I weaned completely from my meds, and am officially med free!! A feat my doctor said was next to impossible after being on these meds for more than 5 years.

 

  Life is not without its challenges... in my work life, church life, home life, family life...but He is teaching me to count my blessings, offer thanks, cultivate a spirit of thankfulness..."and the peace that passes all understanding will keep your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus". I remember one night in particular, I was sitting struggling with life, not wanting to be thankful, finding it hard to think of something to be thankful for, but reading through the Psalms. He spoke "We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds...Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds..."

 

   And I bowed my head and did just that. And I felt the burden lift, and peace flood in.

This story has been repeated over and over again! It is the key. The key to a joyful, full life in Him. Because the moment we bow our hearts in thankfulness, we lift our eyes from the imperfect, to the Giver of good and perfect gifts, his joy and peace floods our souls. And He is glorified!

 

The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me Psalm 50:23