Thanksgiving is our powerful weapon against negative thoughts that plague us when we are slighted, offended, ignored, or we fall into a downward spiral of self-condemnation. Psalm 103:1 says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!”

Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” Isaiah 5:13 says, “Therefore my people have gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge.”

Where does knowledge come from? Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

2 Peter 1:3 says, “As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.”

The more we get to know the Lord through His word, the more our heart’s reservoir is filled with praise. Praise is like a relief valve for pent up emotions. Praise defeats the enemy’s purpose to keep us overwhelmed.