A wise old doctor in South Wales often prescribes the "thank-you cure." When a patient comes to him depressed but without symptoms of serious woes, the doctor tells him, "For six weeks, I want you to say 'Thank you' whenever someone does you a favor. And to show you mean it, emphasize the words with a smile." When the patient complains that few do him favors, the doctor simply replies, "Seek and ye shall find." Six weeks later the patient usually returns with a new outlook, freed of his grievances against life, and convinced that people have suddenly become more kind and friendly.
There is grace in gratitude. God's Word is filled with admonitions to thank Him for the things in our lives. This is where praise begins. The wise believer has learned to begin and end all prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. In doing so, we are more aware of the goodness of God and the kindness of others.
Praise does far more for us than it does for God. Our Father is not some egocentric being Who needs to be told constantly how wonderful He is. He desires the praise of His people because it opens their hearts to God and their fellowman. The grateful heart is a gracious heart. We are to season our request with thanksgiving, and in so doing, our love for the Lord grows deeper.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
Philippians 4:6 KJV
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