The Healing Power of Gratefulness
by Ginny Mosby, MFTI

It has been estimated by some that upwards of ten thousand thoughts pass through the human mind in one day. Some of these thoughts pass through almost without our awareness. And some of these thoughts get replayed over and over in our minds. Dwelling on negative thoughts can influence depression, worrisome thoughts can increase stress, and all thoughts have the power to influence our behavior in our relationships with the ones we love. Not only do our thoughts affect our emotional and interpersonal well-being, they can affect our health as well. Physical illnesses such as headaches, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, coronary heart disease and even rheumatoid arthritis have been linked to emotional distress such as depression and anxiety.

God knows the power of our own thoughts. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” As Thanksgiving approaches this week, most of us will find that our minds are filled with thoughts about where we are going, who we will be seeing, what we will be eating. For some of us, those thoughts will provide opportunity for anxiety, stress, depression and fear. I encourage you this week to grab hold of those thoughts that are true, noble, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy and with an attitude of gratefulness, allow those thoughts to be the ones that get repeat performances in your mind’s eye throughout the day. You may just find your headaches easing, depression lifting and anxiety dissipating.