Today is day three of how to lead a more joy-filled life simply by learning to count your blessings. Believers are commanded to do this in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which states they are to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.”
Today’s practical step in counting your blessings is to tell others “Thank you” for making a difference in your life. Think of a person who has touched your life in some way, big or small, and text/email/write them a thank you note for blessing your life. Research has shown that those who did this felt 100% better about themselves after completing the assignment. When people actually delivered their thanks in person, they had even greater levels of joy up to a year later!
If both parties are filling their minds with “happy thoughts” because of these thank you notes, it leaves less room for the negative ones that drive them to their drugs of choice. Telling people to their face how thankful we are for them gives both of us a greater chance of victory by giving us more truths to drive our enemy away days, weeks and years later.
Isn’t it interesting that the Bible tells us to encourage each other…today and everyday (Hebrews 3:13)? Doing so will give both parties – the giver and receiver – greater levels of joy.
Again, my US readers have a natural opportunity, Thanksgiving, to do that around the dinner table today. No matter what country you live in, though, why not tell those around your dinner table tonight what you are thankful about in their life. It will do you some both good.
S“E”t Free Nowww