Five Consequences of Gratitude

Five Consequences of Gratitude

This ridiculous world we live in today.  It’s a science fiction nightmare as far as I’m concerned. Yet, read this:

“In my distress, I prayed to the Lord. And the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

Psalm 118: 5-6  and,

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4: 6-7 

Thanking and appreciating the things of God is called gratitude.  The science of psychology shows us that gratitude decreases both anxiety and depression and fosters greater satisfaction in life in general.  We can call that happiness. The exercise of gratitude can positively affect our lives emotionally, socially, physically, psychologically, and even financially.

Let’s see what that science shows about our emotional state.  Doesn’t it feel good when we express our gratitude?  The comfort that results makes us more relaxed and resilient in our demeanor. With that come happier memories and a reinforcement of that positive emotional state.

Isn’t true that when happier, social connections or patterns of networking increase? It is rather uplifting.  Well, yes too, our marriages are healthier; no need to take it out on anyone.  Furthermore,  our kinder state of being opens us up to more friendships and deeper relationships with those we already have contact.  Our social life is enhanced.

Our physical health is directly related to our sleep patterns.  Sleep issues have become an epidemic in America, but not so much with the practice of personal gratitude and reduced anxiety. It comes from both increased energy and more exercise, yet an ability to maintain a night's sleep. Better sleep and higher quality exercise mean increased longevity, too.  

I would think that with gratitude and prayer, the Holy Spirit has a say in all of this. And you know, the gifts of the Holy Spirit can certainly give aid to the anxiety-prone. More spirituality means being less materialistic, less egocentric, more optimistic about life, and having increased self-esteem, all psychological benefits.

Finally, with gratitude and reduced anxiety, we can manage our daily lives better and achieve our goals more easily.  Our financial success is a direct positive consequence of proper management and pursuit of goals.    It facilitates good decision-making and productivity. Then our personal missions, and even our careers, are enhanced.

Well-known psychologist, author, and TV personality, Dr. Daniel G. Amen points out that prayer provides a guide to happiness. Prayers for meditation, especially from the Psalms, are particularly beneficial in reducing anxiety and increasing happiness.  By being aware of what we are grateful - people, successes - we will decrease our anxiety and negativity and move along a path of feeling better all around.  By this he suggests being grateful to teachers, mentors, friends, colleagues, our accomplishments, our blessings, our families.

Source:

Amen, Daniel G.  Conquer Worry and Anxiety:  The Secret to Mastering Your Mind.  Carol Stream, Ill.: Tyndale. 2020.

Baglino, Michael J.  The Dr. B. Reader on the Ologies:   Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology. New York:  Amazon Publishing Network. 2023.