Attitude makes a huge difference in life. Once I learned to praise God in the storm, I felt so much better and hopeful. It releases miracles. It sounds strange and opposite but I can testify it to be true. And like the article mentioned, Paul. No matter the circumstances, he was grateful. Remember when Paul and Silas were in jail and kept praising and singing? Then there was an earthquake that destroyed the jail but no one was harmed. They were out of prison and ended up going home with the jailer and spreading the news of the gospel.

Praise is a powerful force against the enemy. Something happens when we praise God, especially when we are going through a really tough time. It confuses the enemy. I highly recommend it.

I recommend it too. Thanks Misred. Paul set a good example on how to praise God in dire circumstances. I have never heard that it confuses the enemy. That's really good to know, so I will make sure to praise God during the storm. Its easy to be grateful in good times..the challenge is praise in the storms of life.

I agree with the article and what both of you are saying, but what if you are suffering from a mental illness like depression or anxiety disorder and you and are thankful but youre mind is just keeping you from being happy? How do you overcome that? Because I do believe God can heal all, but when you are suffering from a mental disorder you cant just change your mind by willing it, even if you want to with all your heart. What are your guys thoughts on that? :-/

Well I have lived with tremendous anxiety and depression and was diagnosed with panic disorder..so the answer to your question is yes you can still change your life and your brain with gratitude..Much prayer and therapy and reading the bible and being with other Christians who are mature with help a lot. talking to someone you can trust about your hurts and fears. Eating really healthy foods and eliminating junk food and exercise..These are all things that have helped me..I used to be terrified to leave my house with agoraphobia..thats what I experienced..sheer terror everyday and now I love going out and meeting people and helping others and even doing public speaking. God is good!!! believe he can change and heal you..I will pray for that..You have to really be obedient to God as well. It helps because God has the best plan for your life..It might not be easy in the beginning but it will be worth it.

I agree with all your posts. Thanks for the article kathilee. I too felt thankfulness had to be felt to be said onto God, but it's not true, just saying thanks in spite of your lost and confused feelings will bring out peace and comfort. God is amazing and has brought great positivity to my life. I can only pray I can keep my end of the bargain and continue to pray in thanksgiving and humility.

To echo what kathilee said lovehopeAmen I too believe the anxiety, fear and confusion that come with mental health is something that cannot be overcome overnight but it can be chipped away.

There have been so many instances in my life in which I look back and say "wow I can't imagine my life before my taking this step and changing that pattern or having faith something I gambled on or took a chance on actually made my life better". Before I make a decision now I always consult God, I say, "please father, if this is your will please allow this to go as smoothly as possible so I do not feel discouraged or allow feelings of fear to overtake my decision making. And if it is not your will, please let me have strength to overcome any heartache I will endure because of it."

Job asked his wife when she told him to curse God "What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?

LovehopeAmen, I have not experienced what you are going through, but when my mind wanders, I find redirecting it with worship music and scripture helps. Even if I don't know the wholes song, just one line or two I sing it over in over either in my head or out loud. I still do that at night if I wake and can't fall back to sleep. I think I wrote before here that sometimes I go to God and tell on the devil that he's bothering me again. Like my kids would tattle to me when they picked on each other. God loves us to come to him with all our problems. He also has a great sense of humor.

Spend time reading the bible. Then when thoughts or trouble comes you have something biblical to stand on. A good study bible has a place in the back where you can look up topics and find scripture to support it. Also, I think Joyce Meyer has a good book titled, "Battlefield of the Mind." It has been out for some time so you can probably get a used copy at a good price. When I googled the title I found this Youtube someone uploaded of the first part of the audio series. I didn't test it (Im at work) but here is the link if you want to listen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bFLXSfIFaw

Love you!

Glorify the Lord NOT ONLY in church.Praise ought to permeate the believer’s life.

One obvious way that we praise the Lord is verbally. We can either speak or sing our worship. Psalm writers put adoration into words and set their love to music. True worship also flows from the mouths of believers who are focused upon God’s attributes. They desire to honor Him because of who He is, what He has done, and what He has promised for the future.

Our God is praised when we serve Him. People are created for the purpose of bringing glory and honor to His name. Therefore, nothing should limit our willingness to work for the King, particularly when we have a chance to share Him with others. Christ is honored when His followers speak boldly about His grace and His work—believers’ testimonies are an amazing form of praise that magnifies God’s name.

Jesus Christ is worth more than any treasure this world offers. Loving Him and understanding what He’s done for you should be all the motivation you need to praise Him with your life. I don't just sing but serve His kingdom and share the gospel.