Stepping Stones: “Thank You” Therapy

Transformational Thought

Did you ever notice how hard it is for some people to say “Thank you”? Two simple yet pretty powerful words. But for some people, they don’t even exist. Saying “Thank you” gives the other person authority, leverage, power into your life. It implies you need them, owe them … that they are one up on you.

In the past, we all suffered hurts, wounds, or letdowns. Our reflexive “healing” reaction is to develop defenses that make sure we don’t get hurt again. Two of our defenses are control and independence. These make sure we … 1. have a plan, and 2. are not being dependent on other people’s plans because we know what we need and how to meet our needs way better than anyone else. How dare God have a plan different from ours?

When our plan, strategy, or agenda doesn’t play out, our choices are … 1. Be mad, anxious, fearful, hurt, frustrated, discontented, upset, frantic, overwhelmed that we didn’t get what we wanted and thought was best, or 2. Be thankful that our all-knowing, all-powerful, loving, awesome Father God had a better plan to do what is truly best for our growth and fulfillment. Thankful is not our natural me-centered response, so it’s much more difficult to summon up. But it really is a much healthier response for you to improve your relationship with GOD, others, and even yourself.

Try thanking God regularly throughout your day. For each time you thank Him, You are acknowledging that He is you Lord and Provider.

Today, when events don’t go your way, STOP! Thank God. When you pray with thanksgiving during difficult times you are truly acting like a child of God. When you find it hard to be thankful, stop and remember who your Lord really is: the Author of your life and your faith. So what will you choose today when life goes differently than you want … frustration and angst, or thankfulness and peace? As always, your decision, so choose well. It’s easier than you think … try it today.

Prayer
Dear Father God,I know I’m supposed to give thanks in all circumstances; but I confess to You that sometimes my prayers are hollow … I can say them without feeling thankful at all … especially during difficult times. I know, my Lord, that I am totally dependent on You for everything … even my next breath. I know that all good things come from You, Lord. I thank You today in the midst of my struggles, and when I thank You, I receive with thankfulness Your Joy and Peace. All glory to You, my Lord. I pray this in the name the One who always was thankful and accepted His circumstances, Jesus Christ – and all God’s children say, AMEN!

The Truth
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
Hebrews 12:28

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17