Psychologist Robert Emmons writes about the power of gratitude in helping to maintain a positive, healthy outlook on life, as well as the impact of such on our mind, body, and soul care.

Twelve Positive Action Steps*

No matter what situation or circumstance that besets us with gloom, we always have a choice to respond in a way that honors God. Be encouraged and:

  1. Lift up your head
  2. Pray
  3. Study and meditate on God’s Word daily
  4. Cultivate an “attitude of gratitude”
  5. Speak the word over yourself and others
  6. Re-Write your story board
  7. Sing and find your song
  8. Dance like David
  9. Align with positive people, places and things
  10. Live fully
  11. Laugh!
  12. Know you are loved, be loving and extend love to others

If you at least try to “love wholeheartedly, be surprised, give thanks and praise–then you will discover the fullness of your life!” says Brother David Steindl-Rast*.

God’s word also reminds us to love deeply, in fact, He commands it: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul ,and with all thy might.  And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and  shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-7; KJV).

Reference:
*Emmons, R.A. & Hill, J. (2001). Words of gratitude: For mind, body, and soul.