THANKSGIVING DAY WILL be the first anniversary of the passing of my mother. It’s been over two years since the passing of our daughter.
Thanksgiving is a time for family to gather, to remember our blessings, express gratitude and recognize the Lord’s goodness, even during adversity.
As a young missionary in France, we regularly taught of the importance of prayer. Occasionally, we would teach someone who had never offered a prayer. We explained that prayer should begin by addressing our Father in Heaven and then thank God for our blessings.
The prophet Alma taught, “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day,” (Alma 37:37).
The Psalmist counseled, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord,” (Psalm 92:1).
Jesus Christ gave many examples of giving thanks in His prayers and parables.
The Apostle Paul said we should, “Cease not to give thanks,” (Ephesians 1:16).
The prophet Joseph Smith declared that we should do “All things with prayer and thanksgiving,” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:7).
Prophets have repeatedly instructed us to give thanks to God.
Recently, President Russell M. Nelson, whom members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints revere as a living prophet, taught, “I have concluded that counting our blessings is far better than recounting our problems. No matter our situation, showing gratitude for our privileges is a fast-acting and long-lasting spiritual prescription.”
In Nelson’s profession, he was a medical doctor. Rather than a doctor giving a prescription, he prescribes a spiritual prescription as a prophet. Because our spirits and bodies are united, it isn’t surprising that there are also mental and physical benefits to developing a habit of gratitude.
Gratitude can help reduce stress and improve overall mental health. Some studies show that expressing gratitude consistently lowers blood pressure, helps immune systems and reduces physical symptoms of illness. It may even improve sleep quality, as gratitude can help quiet negative, repetitive thoughts.
Gratitude is a way to recognize the hand of the Lord in our own lives. It is an act of humility and will deepen our connection with God as we kneel before Him, pouring our heart out to God in thanksgiving.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared a national Thanksgiving in November to celebrate gratitude and unity amidst the turmoil of the Civil War. We were a divided nation. It seems that President Lincoln knew of the power of gratitude to mend a nation.
President Russell M. Nelson, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, “Many ills plague the world including hate, civil unrest, racism, violence, dishonesty and lack of civility. There is, however, a remedy — one that may seem surprising — because it flies in the face of our natural intuitions. Nevertheless, its effects have been validated by scientists as well as men and women of faith. I am referring to the healing power of gratitude.”
I can’t think of gratitude without thinking of the loved hymn, “Count Your Blessings.” It says, “Count your many blessings; name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”
In this season, when our nation celebrates Thanksgiving, may we do as the prophet Alma taught and “Live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which (God) doth bestow upon (us),” (Alma 34:38).
As we follow Alma’s admonition, not just this week or this month, even amidst our sorrows, trials, loss and suffering; as we live in thanksgiving daily, may we recognize God’s mercy and count our many blessings. As we do this, we will enjoy the healing power of gratitude in our lives.
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Issues of Faith is a rotating column by religious leaders on the North Olympic Peninsula. Bishop Jason Bringhurst is the leader of the Mount Pleasant Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Port Angeles, ComeUntoChrist.org. His email is jasonbring@gmail.com.
