“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – Psalm 118:1
While it might seem obvious in retrospect, one of the latest discoveries in the psychology of happiness has to do with gratitude. Multiple studies have shown a positive correlation between gratitude and happiness. One study, performed by Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis, and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami asked participants to jot down a few sentences each week.
One group was asked to write down things for which they were grateful. The second group was asked to do just the opposite. They wrote down the regular annoyances and frustrations that occur in daily life. The third group was asked to simply write things down that occurred throughout their week, with no specific focus on either positive or negative experiences.
After 10 weeks, those who wrote about things for which they were grateful were markedly more optimistic and exhibited higher levels of enjoyment of their lives than before the study. An unexpected byproduct of the study found that those participants who practiced writing down things for which they were grateful also exercised more and visited the doctor less.
Gratitude is an attitude you choose. Choose to be thankful! Today in prayer, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever!
“Gratitude is a divine emotion: it fills the heart, but not to bursting; it warms it, but not to fever.” – Charlotte Bronte
God’s Word: “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – Psalm 118:29
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