The Word of God for your mental health
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
1. What is one circumstance this week that challenged your ability to be thankful?
2. What is the difference between being thankful IN all circumstances and being thankful FOR all circumstances?
3. Think of a time when you were wondering what God’s will was for your life. How might being thankful give you an understanding of God’s will?
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.”
1. What would it look like for the richness of Jesus fill your life?
2. What is one wise piece you have received in your life? How did this change your attitude or lead to a thankful heart?
3. Why is singing so frequently mentioned when it comes to being thankful or giving praise to God? What is one way you can use music this month to connect with gratitude?
Psalm 100:4
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.”
1. When you imagine entering the gates of heaven, what kinds of songs of thanksgiving might you be singing?
2. God is a king, and entering his “courts” is like describing the king’s throne room. What praise would you give God when you think of him as your king?
3. When we “sing someone’s praises” we tell others about how wonderful they are. What is one thing you could say about God to “sing his praises” to others?
Ephesians 5:4
“Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.”
1. Think about the past week. What are some examples of words you said that you wish you could take back?
2. Why would thankfulness be a good replacement for foolish talking and obscenity?
3. Identify one thing you have talked about in a foolish or obscene way. Write down a gratitude statement about that topic or person.
Welcome to our new series: 13 Days of Gratitude!
We will focus on one verse per day to prepare for the week of Thanksgiving, using some thinking/writing prompts to develop hearts of gratitude. Take time to pause and write down your own answers to the questions.
Psalm 50:14
“Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High.”
1. What does it mean to make thankfulness your sacrifice to God?
2. What are some promises you have made to God in your lifetime?
3. Consider one thing that is hard for you to be thankful for. Pray for God to help you enter into gratitude even if you don’t feel thankful right now.