{This post may contain affiliate links. That means that I earn a commission if you make a qualifyingpurchase through my links (such as Amazon), but it does not change the price that you pay. For more information, please see my disclaimer page.}
This time of year it is fairly common to ponder things we are thankful for. I am usually a glass half full kind of gal. I like to try to see the bright side and the best in people. I am human and I do fail a lot though.
I was recently studying Colossians when I hit these verses:
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:6-7
(Emphasis mine)
Wow. Do you overflow with thankfulness?
When we put our roots into the Lord, into His Word, our faith is strengthened and our vision, our focus changes.
And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.Colossians 3:15-17
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
Colossians 4:2
(Emphasis mine in above verses)
When we let God’s peace rule our hearts, it’s a lot easier (note that I did not say easy, but easier) to be thankful, no matter what is going on in our lives. We know who is in control.
Be always thankful. Sing to God with thankful hearts. Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God. A thankful heart. Catch a theme in Colossians?
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Easy? No, but we were told this path would not be.
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
James 1:2
Consider it an opportunity for great joy. Consider is more of a mental exercise than human nature. for it to become habit to look for the good, we have to consciously make that effort.
Why is it so important to have a thankful heart?
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
Philippians 2:14-15
The world is watching. If we do not have the joy of the Lord, why would they want to know Jesus? HIf we are always complaining. Always arguing. Where is the difference between the followers of Christ and the people of this worldly generation? Where is the light? The salt?
To do everything without complaining is a tall order, one I fail probably daily. Multiple times. Yet, I have found that if my heart is focused on Him, the more I give thanks, the more I overflow in thankfulness, the less room for complaints.
i fear that i do not overflow with thankfulness. i adored how you used so many scriptures in this post. It is rich and deep and just a joy to read. Thanks for being here and for hosting. You are a blessing. I do love your new look!!
I want to overflow with thankfulness as well. (Love that “overflow” graphic.)
I do find it a lot easier to be thankful when I’m focused on Him. Hey! Life all around is easier when I’m focused on Him.
Thanks for sharing – love those scriptures!
This is an area where I struggle. I’m a good person, generally doing good things for people, but NOT as a result of a heart overflowing with gratefulness. I’m generally motivated more out of a sense of duty (or guilt, in my worst moments…). But thankfulness is our greatest calling, because it’s a heart full of thankfulness that engages in spontaneous worship and praise. Thank you for the encouragement!
Ever so often, I get overwhelmed with being thankful. I realize how much I have and what I’ve gotten through with God’s help.
I don’t overflow thankfulness, no, but I am a lot more thankful now than I was 2 years ago when I gave my heart to Jesus, and for that I am thankful!
we all need to remind ourselves every day of what God has done for us
overflow happens when we live a life that is in acknowledgement of being filled. we are filled with Christ…he overflows as love, patience, kindness, thankfulness, etc… 🙂
I am thankful for so much. I am truly blessed. Not because everything is going according to plan, but because I have a faithful friend that sticks closer than a brother and owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He is for refuge and my strength, my comforter and advocate. Without Him I am nothing, but with Him I can do all things. I am thankful for Him and all that comes with loving him. 🙂
I know I fail at Philippians 2:14-15 – doing EVERYTHING without complaint. I complain sometimes LOL.
Today, I am thankful and grateful that my son has medicines and doctors that help him breather, and for an ER only minutes from my house.
This is such a good reminder. I have to admit that I don’t often overflow with thanksgiving. I’m usually too caught up in busyness.
I find time and again that the best way to overflow with thankfulness is time with Jesus. The more I turn to Him, through prayer or His Word, thankfulness is a natural response. Thank you for this reminder!