1 Thessalonians 2:13 NLT

Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God – which, of course, it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.

As a disciple we are invited to learn to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV UK 2011). Turning to thanksgiving is a great antidote to the temptation to express anger or fear which I will later regret. It does demand a retraining of the brain. I have to recognise my instinctive responses when faced by challenging behaviour or situations. Am I an optimist or pessimist by nature? Glass half-empty or half-full? If I’m a pessimist, it’s a steeper learning curve. Then, I must acknowledge who I am, but refuse to accept this is God’s will in Christ Jesus for me.

I turn to the Jesus prayer when I sense I’m reacting inappropriately. It gives me breathing space, reminds me of my walk with God and connects me with a different part of my internal memory.

Expressing gratitude encourages others, and ourselves. Thanksgiving increases our positive sense of well-being and reduces stress. I’ve found it soon becomes a habit and I begin instinctively to thank everyone I meet; the person at the supermarket till, the person selling me my rail ticket, the individual administering wine to me at communion. Thanksgiving is a habit that can be learned. It’s one that replaces my instinctive, negative reactions with one that encourages and builds people up. It connects me with a positive outlook on life.

It may be time to work at unlearning some instinctive reactions that are unhelpful to managing your overall mood and in navigating life. It is a habit worth forming for the benefits are felt within yourself and make a big difference to life. It also encourages others.

QUESTION: What are you thankful for today?

PRAYER: Gracious Master, help me to respond with grace, kindness and thankfulness to the challenges I will face today.