Thanks: an expression of gratitude New Lexicon Webster’s Dictionary
Eucharist - yoo-khar-is-teh’o: to be [act] grateful or to express gratitude [towards] God - Strongs Concordance

Thankfulness does not mean you are thankful your parents divorced. Rather, you are to be thankful that your Father God cares about you and that his presence, power and purpose for your life will not be lost, as you trust him with all your heart. Prov.3:5-6 Gen.50:18-21

Thankfulness does not mean you are thankful someone you loved and trusted; mentally, emotionally, physically or sexually abused you. Rather, you are to be thankful that your Father God, by his Holy Spirit, repeatedly and faithfully warned them about what they were doing was wrong. The God of all comfort is committed to tenderly comforting you in all your grief and restoring your soul. Ps.23 IICor.1:3-4 Jn.16:6-11

Thankfulness does not mean you are thankful you had a miscarriage or that your infant child died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or that your child has been diagnosed with cancer or that your child was senselessly killed by a drunk driver or some other horrible thing. Rather, you are to be thankful that your Father God has promised to be faithful in giving you grace in the midst of the winds, floods and rains of life. Matt.7:24-27

Having a truly thankful heart is a foundation for good physical, mental, social, and spiritual health.

Whether you smile or frown, your body chemistry goes up or down.
Exercise the discipline of thankfulness with great exhilaration!
Begin your thoughts with: Lord, I am thankful for?
Begin your prayers with: Lord, I am thankful for?
Begin your conversations with: I am thankful for?.

A truly thankful heart helps to keep the immune system strong to prevent the degenerative process of disease.
Prov.17:22 Prov.18:21
A truly thankful heart helps to prevent overloading neurotransmitters and causing anxiety or depression.
A truly thankful heart is reflected in our countenance, making us more attractive to others.
Prov.15:13,30.
A truly thankful heart is pleasing to the Lord for we are acknowledging his providence and grace in our lives.
A truly thankful heart for God’s grace, in remembering the past, will help heal any grief - shame - rage - hurt - fear - rejection - or feelings of abandonment.
A truly thankful heart for God’s grace will help us have a secure hope and courage as we face the present rains - floods and winds of life. Matt.7:24 Lk.17:15 Isa.41:10.
A truly thankful heart for God’s grace will help us have confident assured faith as we consider the future. Phil.1:6

A truly thankful heart will become a part of our learning the secret of knowing contentment in our life rather than striving in the flesh with jealousy - envy or pride. Jonah 2:9 John 11:41-42 Phil.4:11 Gal.5:17-21

A truly thankful heart will enable us to be more creative and fulfilled, rather than stressed out or cynical in the purposes the Lord has called us to by his grace.

A truly thankful heart will help prevent us from making bad choices based on the futile thinking of a foolish heart which brings only disappointment - heartbreak - confusion and darkness. Rom.1:18-32

“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.? Rom.1:21 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds is Christ Jesus.? Phil.4:6-7 ?..give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.? I Thes.5:18

Author's Bio: 

Dr. Smith has been active in pursuing a Christian perspective in counseling since 1968. His approach to counseling is holistic and balanced: understanding people's needs from a physical, psychological, social and spiritual perspective which is based on the authority of God's moral absolutes found in His infallible word.
Please email at:
drsmith@hiwaay.net