Nov 24, 2023
I recently learned of a study about gratitude called the "Count Your Blessings" study conducted by the psychologist Bob Emmons. Some of you will remember, like me, the old gospel hymn "Count Your Blessings''. The main theme of the song was very simplistic, yet memorable:
When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
Turns out those lyrics are cutting-edge science. In his "Count Your Blessings" study Emmons had participants do the simplest thing: At the end of each day take a moment to count your blessings by writing them down in a journal. And you know what happened? At the end of the study the participants who engaged in this simple practice of thanksgiving where healthier—emotionally and physically—than the control group. Simply counting your blessings made people healthier and happier. That's the cheapest therapy you're ever going to find.
Not only does a routine of gratitude improve our health and make
us happier, according to Jesus it helps grow our faith (Luke
17:11-19). So the benefits of giving thanks are clear, yet for
many, it's the discipline of gratitude that is lacking.
For example prayer, as a practice, is a constant posture of
thankfulness. Prayer is the mindful discipline to act out of an
experience of blessing rather than scarcity. So count your
blessings. Name them, one by one. Give a listen to part one of
Thanks & Giving and learn how to develop a basic routine of giving
thanks that we can utilize everyday and in so doing improve our
mental health and more importantly, deepen our relationship with
Jesus!