Years ago, when VeggieTales came out, I saw a cartoon about a woman who was sad about all of the things that she didn’t have. Then one day, she walked by a family who was very poor, and heard their little girl singing: “A thankful heart is a happy heart.” 

Thankfulness is something that you can have, no matter how much stuff you have or don't have. Being grateful is good for you personally, and for society in general. 

According to Harvard Medical School*: “…gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”

Mayo Clinic* says: “…feeling thankful can improve sleep, mood and immunity. Gratitude can decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain and risk of disease.”

Positive Psychology* also says that “Gratitude disconnects us from toxic, negative emotions.” They list specific ways you are helped whenever you express gratefulness:

• increased happiness and positive mood
• more satisfaction with life
• less materialistic
• less likely to experience burnout
• better physical health
• better sleep
• less fatigue
• lower levels of cellular inflammation
• greater resiliency
• encourages the development of patience, humility, and wisdom
• strengthens relationships
• may help employees’ effectiveness
• may increase job satisfaction

God obviously knows what He is doing whenever He tells us to be thankful: 

"…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -1 Thessalonians 5:18

Take a deep breath and express your thankfulness to God for what He has given you. Your heart will thank you for it!

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

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Sources:

*Harvard Medical School's article by Harvard Health Publishing: “Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier”

*Mayo Clinic article: “Can expressing gratitude improve your mental, physical health?”

*Positive Psychology article: “14 Benefits of Practicing Gratitude”