We have just celebrated Thanksgiving. Can I assume that we celebrated by giving thanks?

Did you notice that when you are thankful, it lifts your spirits? Your heart rejoices. It’s hard to have a heart that is full of gratefulness and to also be angry, fearful, anxious, or any of those negative emotions that drag us down.

Gratefulness is wonderful therapy for driving out negative emotions or bad attitudes.

This morning, I read Psalm 104, It begins with “Bless the Lord, Oh my soul! O Lord my God, Thou art very great; Thou art clothed with with splendor and majesty.” The Psalmist then lists mighty things that God does. and how all things are dependent upon Him.

Closing verses move into our response to God, “I will sing to Him,” “I will sing praise to my God,” “let my meditation be pleasing to Him;” and “As for me, I shall be glad in the Lord” (Ps. 105:33, 34).

I was struck by the “I will”s. “I will” indicates decision, a choice. It is my choice whether  I am glad in the Lord and praise Him–even when I am tempted to be angry, fearful, anxious, or (fill in the blank).

Likewise, being thankful is a choice.

The choice begins with a decision on what I look at. When tempted to have a negative emotion, I must first decide what I will focus on. As long as I look at the thing (or person) that I am fearful of, angry at, or . . ., it will be difficult to be thankful or offer praise.

If I chose to look at the Lord and at all He has done and promised to do for those who love Him, fear Him, and/or are faithful to Him, my heart will naturally be filled with praise and thanksgiving.

My heart will rejoice and be glad. It will overflow with praise and thanksgiving.

Celebrating giving thanks is a good thing. But, it is our choice whether or not we  hold onto it all year along.