In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. – 2 Thessalonians 5:18
Everyone experiences stress. Though Christ invites us to cast all our cares upon him, we tend to keep our worry and heartache to ourselves.
Even when we do pour out our hearts to God, we may have a difficult time placing a stressful situation in God’s hands and allowing it to stay there.
I tend to take back my worries, and before I know it, my mind is racing and my adrenaline pumping as I try to solve my problems on my own.
When I find myself in that state of mind, I try to take a deep breath – or several deep breaths – and adopt an attitude of gratitude. I remember the many times God has answered my prayers, provided peace, and fixed my problems in ways I never would have imagined. I praise him for those answered prayers. I thank him for my many, many other blessings.
Through those prayers of praise, my heart becomes lighter, and my problems seem less overwhelming.
Remember the response of Daniel, when he heard that a law had been passed outlawing prayer to anyone but the king?
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. – Daniel 6:10
He gave thanks!
Remember how Paul and Silas occupied themselves in prison?
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. – Acts 16:25
They also gave thanks.
Thanking God – in all things, in every situation – is the anecdote to life’s most stressful experiences. As our loving Father, God asks that we maintain a thankful heart not only to glorify him, but to lift our spirits and restore our joy.
Even when life may be difficult, we should thank God for all he does for us – which we do not deserve. – Billy Graham
A state of mind that sees God in everything is evidence of growth in grace and a thankful heart. – Charles Finney
How do you practice an attitude of gratitude? I welcome your comments!
My Way Home 
Practicing thankfulness always is something no one does enough 🙂
Great reminder!
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Keeping mindful and grateful for God’s presence reminds me that, even in dark times, He will help me into the Divine Light again, as long as I make the necessary effort and keep reaching toward Him. And we do need those dark moments to keep us even more humble and thankful when life is going well. — Mike
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Yes! We would have no reason to be truly thankful, were it not for difficult times. They keep us leaning on him, and thankful for him.
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