Gratitude is often treated as a mindset or an attitude we’re supposed to have as Christians. But in Scripture, gratitude is more than positive thinking—it’s a biblical practice that shapes how we relate to God, ourselves, and the world around us. In this episode of The Christian Clinician, Dr. Tanya Paynter begins a new focus on gratitude by exploring what the Bible actually teaches about thankfulness and why it matters for emotional and physical health. Drawing from Scripture, current research, and clinical insight, she explains how gratitude functions as a relational practice—one that helps regulate the nervous system, reduce emotional reactivity, and restore perspective during periods of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. This episode also addresses common resistance to gratitude, including guilt-driven gratitude and forced positivity. Rather than dismissing pain, biblical gratitude creates space to acknowledge hardship honestly while still recognizing God’s presence and provision. If gratitude feels difficult, artificial, or emotionally out of reach, take a listen and discover how Scripture and science together can help you practice gratitude rooted in God’s character rather than reactive to changing circumstances. In this episode, you’ll explore:What Scripture actually means by gratitude and thanksgivingWhy gratitude is a relational practice, not a way to change your circumstancesHow gratitude shapes trust in God over timeWhy gratitude is not the same as denying hardshipHow gratitude reduces stress reactivity and decreases anxiety You’ll also be guided through:Letting go of guilt-based or forced gratitudeNoticing gratitude as a bodily experience, not just a thoughtPracticing gratitude without denying pain or lossBeginning a gratitude practice that feels honest and sustainable Resources MentionedBiblical passages on thanksgiving and trust1 Thess 5:18Is 26:3Psalm 46:1, 62:6, 112:7Jer 29:11Eph 2:10, 4:23Phil 4:8Research on gratitude and emotional regulationÁlvaro Tala. "[Thanks for everything: a review on gratitude from neurobiology to clinic].." Revista medica de Chile, 147 6 (2019): 755-761 . https://doi.org/10.4067/s0034-98872019000600755.Kini, Prathik, Joel Wong, Sydney McInnis, Nicole Gabana, and Joshua W. Brown. “The Effects of Gratitude Expression on Neural Activity.” NeuroImage 128 (March 2016): 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.12.040.Fox, Glenn R., Jonas Kaplan, Hanna Damasio, and Antonio Damasio. “Neural Correlates of Gratitude.” Frontiers in Psychology 6 (September 2015). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01491.Euston, David R., Aaron J. Gruber, and Bruce L. McNaughton. “The Role of Medial Prefrontal Cortex in Memory and Decision Making.” Neuron 76, no. 6 (2012): 1057–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2012.12.002.Hazlett, Laura I., Mona Moieni, Michael R. Irwin, et al. “Exploring Neural Mechanisms of the Health Benefits of Gratitude in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Brain, Behavior, and Immunity 95 (July 2021): 444–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2021.04.019.Mills, P. J., Redwine, L., Wilson, K., Pung, M. A., Chinh, K., Greenberg, B. H., Lunde, O., Maisel, A., Raisinghani, A., Wood, A., & Chopra, D. (2015). The role of gratitude in spiritual well-being in asymptomatic heart failure patients. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 2(1), 5–17. https://doi.org/10.1037/scp0000050Season 3 resources and downloads available at: https://www.psalmmedical.com/ccseason3-signup Nothing in this episode is intended to take the place of concurrent medical care, including medications and alternative therapies as appropriate. However, biblical practices provide an additive quality to any treatment plan for anxiety, stress response, sympathetic over-activation, or other conditions such as hormone imbalance or emotional health considerations. Episode Timestamps00:00 – Why gratitude is often misunderstood 02:41 – Gratitude as a biblical practice, not positive thinking 05:36 – Why forced gratitude creates resistance 08:14 – Gratitude, suffering, and emotional honesty 11:02 – How gratitude affects the body and nervous system 14:58 – Beginning a grounded gratitude practice 18:42 – Invitation into the gratitude cycle About the HostDr. Tanya Paynter is the host of The Christian Clinician, a podcast exploring the intersection of Christian faith, physiology, and whole-person health. As a licensed naturopathic physician, she is especially interested in how biblical practices shape emotional regulation, stress response, and spiritual formation. Through careful teaching, clinical insight, and honest reflection, Tanya helps listeners move away from performance-based spirituality and toward practices rooted in trust and relationship. Where to Find Dr. Tanya PaynterLearn more at www.psalmmedical.com Visit the podcast webpage at https://www.psalmmedical.com/cc-podcast Follow The Christian Clinician on Social MediaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechristianclinician Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheChristianClinician Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christianclinician/
