Years ago, I was in the biggest turmoil of my life.  Everything seemed to be going downhill, finances, health, job, career, relationships, you name it.  I was in an unfortunate place.  At that time someone told be to be grateful. Maintain an “attitude of gratitude.” was what the essential message was. At that point, I could only think,

“YOU have … GOT … to be kidding!”

At that juncture there appeared to be nothing to be grateful for. Then I decided, well, why not? Perhaps I could be grateful and appreciate the fact that I was still breathing, although not sure why. Slowly things really began to change.  I began to see more and more things to be grateful for and thus appreciate.

The biggest factor that entered into my lack of appreciation was that I was living in judgment, comparison and complaining. Those perspectives were simply not serving me. I began to trust that everything happened for a reason, that God was indeed, in charge and I began renewing my faith in the fact that God really only wants the best for me. His Word says in 1Thessalonians 5:18 “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  Yes, it may seem like a struggle, but God has a plan to help you make the changes that create a better version of YOU.

To help substantiate this, you must know that your thoughts actually change your physiology.  Judgments, comparisons, complaining have an involutional effect on your body and propel your mind towards depression. They send your thinking into a contracted state. Conversely, appreciation, thanksgiving and praise expand your mental horizons.

They lend themselves towards peace and well being. These thoughts of a positive and hopeful nature are what demonstrate a trust in knowing that you are on the right track. Things may not look good from a worldly perspective, but your circumstances do not define your worthiness or whose you are, a Beloved Child of God.

Over time, I was amazed at how much appreciation not only improved my outlook, it impacted my “in-look”.  I began to feel amazingly uplifted.  It is almost as though my thoughts of appreciation brought me more things to appreciate. I was substantially uplifted, even though events of the past may have previously left me devastated.  I learned to give up the judgments and just let what is to just be, and that absolutely does not “define” me.

I can remember so specifically working my all night shift and being filled with the hormones of complete joy. I was amazed at how good I felt, even though there was absolutely nothing new in my experience that triggered a greater sense of well-being.

I asked myself, where did this come from? Then I realized that the appreciation mind-set really makes a difference. It is almost as though I could build my own bank of joy by reminding myself of how much “life is beautiful” and simply appreciate it.

These are some of the verses from Psalms that may be helpful in reminding you of how valuable thankfulness and appreciation really are. As has been said, “I have no idea what my future holds, but I know WHO holds my future.” And I can trust HIM.

Psalm 50:14 “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving and pay your vows to the Most High.”

Psalm 69:30 “I will praise the name of God with song and magnify Him with Thanksgiving.”

The following poem is derived from Jeremiah 10:6 and Exodus 15:2 and may be heard in a song entitled “None Like Thee” by going to lphamil.com.

NONE LIKE THEE, O LORD
Jeremiah 10:6, Exodus 15:2 Lisa Hamil 3-28-16

When I see what Thou hast done. There is truly only one…
Thou hast used Thy mighty power to create the earth.
Yet, has seen me through the test, and hath given me Thy best,
With Thy gift of loving hope and faithfulness…

None like Thee, O Lord…There is none like Thee, O Lord.
Thou art great and mighty is Thy name.
For there is none like Thee, O Lord.

Thou my strength, Thou art my song. I exalt Thee all day long.
For behold mine enemies shall be set aside.
Many wonders are portrayed, in the heavens Thou hast made.
Yet from Thy watchful eye they can never hide.

None like The, O Lord…There is none like Thee, O Lord.
Thou art great and mighty is Thy name.
For there is none like Thee, O Lord.

Thou my strength and Thou my song. I exalt Thee all day long.

Many wonders are portrayed in the heavens Thou hast made.
Thou hast used Thy mighty power to create the earth.
Yet hast seen me through the test, and hath given me Thy best,
With Thy gift of loving hope and faithfulness…

None like Thee, O Lord… There is none like Thee, O Lord.
Thou art great and mighty is Thy name.
For there is none like Thee, O Lord.
None like Thee, O Lord