Cultivating a Healthy Heart - The Crosswalk Devotional - August 12

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Cultivating a Healthy Heart
By Cindi McMenamin

Bible Reading:
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV).

How healthy are you these days? And how healthy is your heart? 

While you can try to steer clear of germs, eat more nutritionally, and exercise regularly, one of the healthiest habits you can develop is to regularly express a grateful heart.

That's right. Gratitude makes your heart healthier. 

Numerous studies have shown a direct correlation between a positive attitude and improved health (and even a longer life!). To be positive, in short, means to be grateful. To find the good in every situation. To be thankful in all things. 

I'm sure God had our physical, as well as spiritual, health in mind when He inspired the apostle Paul to write these words to the Thessalonians. After admonishing them to display proper Christian conduct, he wrote:

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB). 

Did you notice that Paul didn’t just say, “In every good circumstance, give thanks.” He also didn’t write, “When things work out well for you, give thanks.” He specifically said, “In everything give thanks.” In the good times, as well as the bad. In the pleasantries of life, as well as in the pain. During difficult times, trying times, and frustrating times, too. That’s because when we’re thanking God, we're focused on our blessings, rather than the bitterness of whatever else might be going on.

There’s also another beautiful result of having a grateful heart. When we are thankful in all things, not just the good things, we are living out God’s will for us. That verse, after telling us to be thankful in all things, reinforces the reason to do so: “For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” It couldn’t be said any clearer. Being thankful in everything is how you and I display God’s will for our lives. 

Intersecting Faith & Life: 

As you and I focus on our circumstances, we can tend to become more depressed and more critical if we're not guarding our hearts and minds. So, all the more reason to be a person of gratitude rather than a bad attitude. I've found in my own life that when I'm praising God in the aches and pains, or the losses that seem more frequent these days, or just thanking Him during the mundane, it helps me become a person of gratitude in any circumstance. And that keeps me healthier and happier, overall. 

Here are seven simple prayers you can begin saying to practice gratitude when the bad attitude starts seeping in to steal your joy, harm your relationships, and attack your health: 

Thank You, Lord, for the things You have withheld from me. You have protected me from what I may never realize. 

Thank You, God, for the doors You have closed. They have prevented me from going where You would rather not have me go.  

Thank You, Lord, for the physical pain You've allowed in my life. It has helped me more closely relate to Your sufferings on my behalf.  

Thank You, Lord, for the alone times in my life. Those times have forced me to lean in closer to You. 

Thank You, God, for the tears I have shed. They have kept my heart soft and moldable.

Thank You, God, for the times I haven't been able to control my circumstances. They have reminded me that You are on the throne. 

Thank You, God, for those people in my life whom You have called home to be with You. Their absence from this earth keeps my heart longing for heaven.     

Can you begin saying “Thank You" a few more times throughout your day? Start expressing gratitude toward others for their kindness, and remember to thank God, throughout the day as well, for everything He allows to come your way. As you do, you may find it lightens your load and makes you feel better physically as well. 

Further Study:
Psalm 9:1

For daily encouragement to keep a healthy heart, see Cindi’s book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God.

Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional encouraged or challenged you in your walk with Christ.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/BrianAJackson 

Cindi McMenamin is a national speaker, Bible teacher, certified writing coach, and award-winning writer who helps women and couples strengthen their relationship with God and others. She is also a mother, a pastor’s wife who has been married 37 years, and the author of 19 books, including When Women Walk Alone (more than 160,000 copies sold), The New Loneliness: Nurturing Meaningful Connections When You Feel Isolated, and The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. For more on her speaking ministry, coaching services for writers, and books to strengthen your soul, marriage, and parenting, see her website: www.StrengthForTheSoul.com.

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