Pastor's Weekly Musing

Hey everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you and your family have an awesome meal planned, some quality time together with family, and a chance to revel in all of God's goodness in your life.

1 Thessalonians 5 tells us "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

What's God's will for your life? Give thanks. A LOT. Not just because we SHOULD, but because it's actually good for us!

Recent studies have shown that an intentional moment of expressed gratitude -- for even the smallest good thing in your life -- gives your brain a dopamine surge, the neurotransmitter that brings happiness and joy. It's the "reward" chemical in your brain, the thing that says "Oh, that was nice; do that again."

Dopamine-chasing can have a nasty edge to it, causing us to seek out all sorts of unhealthy things to make us feel "okay". I can binge eat, or play on my phone, or disappear into other unhealthy habits, just trying to feel better after a long day.

But intentional gratitude actually has the same brain effects, but with a much healthier outcome. It brings joy, contentment, happiness, fulfillment, and satisfaction. And with no hangover, no regrets, no upset stomach!

So when God says "Give thanks in all circumstances", He's not asking for your begrudging compliance. He wants your good!

Try it today!

Pastor Ronnie