Problem is, I have this deadline to meet for this column, and it's two days before Thanksgiving and, well, it's just on my mind!

I also know that even if your nation doesn't set aside a day for collective thankfulness, it's just a good thing for all of us to think about. Often. Prayerfully. Personally, from the heart. And to express it—to God, and to each other.

You see, we have this command, straight from the Word: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6). Sometimes that's hard. Hard to remember and hard to do. But what a difference it makes!

In fact, the next verse promises the result: "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Just the thought of that—the peace of God guarding one's heart—is enough to make you feel better, to take comfort in whatever situation you're in. But it depends on doing our part, making sure that we are thankful.

Recent research indicates that thankful mind-sets literally affect us. In a January 2001 article, Research News in Science and Theology posted results of a study where one test group kept "gratitude journals" listing things they were appreciative for and who they should thank, compared with another group that did not.

Guess what? The group focused on thankfulness "exercised more regularly, reported fewer symptoms, felt better about their lives as a whole and were more optimistic about the upcoming week."

Now maybe this remains in the scientific category of theory, not yet fully quantified and proven; but in practical experience I think we would say this is the way life works!

The article also offered another interesting opinion, that gratitude serves three social functions:

"1. It is a moral barometer." (Don't we consider teaching our children to be grateful an important part of their moral upbringing?)

"2. It is a moral motive that prompts people to behave themselves pro-socially.

"3. It is a moral reinforcer. When people put their gratitude into words or actions they increase the likelihood of further benevolent actions."

It's not too hard to see why "unthankful" is listed as one of the reasons why "in the last days perilous times will come" (2 Timothy 3:1-2).

For God's people, Thanksgiving must be more than a holiday that disappears in the rearview mirror. Keep it in the forefront of your thinking—it is a critically important factor in our ability to keep moving forward! UN