Always Have A Thankful Heart

Always Have A Thankful Heart                                              October 9, 2022

“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.  And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” (Colossians 3:16-17)

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

A car will go nowhere without gas.  A toilet is useless without water.  A freezer isn’t cool unless it’s plugged in nor is a Christian’s life effective unless it is motivated by a thankful heart.  Gratitude should be the key behind everything a Christian thinks, says and does.  Whenever one gets tired of living the Christian life then it is evident they have forgotten the countless ways they have been blessed in Christ (II Peter 1:1-11).

Consider these thoughts on Gratitude:

• Gratitude turns what we have into enough
• Never let the things you want make you forget the things you have
• Your first thoughts in the morning should be, “Thank you!”
• If you never learn the language of gratitude, you will never be on speaking terms with happiness (www.PartyDomme.com)

As Christians, here are some things we should be consistently thankful for:

• We can know that we have eternal life (I John 5:13)
• Every prayer we offer is heard and answered by God in accordance with His will (I John 5:14-15)
• If we walk in God’s light & practice what is right then the blood of Jesus will cleanse (forgive) us from all sin (I John 1:7; 3:7-10)
• We have a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and an imperishable inheritance and salvation reserved in heaven (I Peter 1:3-5)
•  We have a God that knows us intimately – inside and out and is there for us whenever we need Him (Psalms 139:1-24)
• We have a God that has demonstrated His love for us by giving us the one thing most precious to Him – His only begotten Son (John 3:16).  This unselfish love enables us to love one another (I John 4:10-11)
• We have a God that wants us to give Him (cast upon Him) all our anxieties because He cares so much for us (I Peter 5:7).  We are not alone in this life with all our concerns and worries.  God is with us as long as we remain with Him and do the things that are pleasing to Him (John 8:29)
• We have a God that provides us daily with our spiritual and physical needs (Matthew 6:8-13)
• God has welcomed into His spiritual family that includes all the faithful from the beginning of time until now.  What a privilege and what a blessing to belong to such a family!! (Ephesians 2:11-22)

These are only a few things that Christians should be consistently thankful for.  There are many more but these, at least, remind us that we have far more to be thankful for in life than most.  Christians should never be ungrateful for anything.

As a Christian, what are you grateful for?                                                 Brian Thompson

Happy Thanksgiving!!