An Attitude of Gratitude

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    We are a full week into November, or the "Thanksgiving month!" It is always such a special time to be reminded of the blessings we have been given from the Lord. Scripture commands us to always be thankful -- but there are also examples (even commands!) for us to set aside days and seasons for times of remembrance of God's goodness. 

    I like to find ways to prepare my heart for special times, as much as I am able. Did you know that in every chapter of the little book of Colossians, there is at least one reference to thankfulness?  Let's look at a few of those verses today!

Colossians 1: 3

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

    As we pray for people in our lives, thanking God for them should be prominent in our conversation with the Lord. Paul goes on in the next few verses to outline exactly why he is thankful for the people of the church in Colossae.  We can be specific and focus on the work that God is accomplishing through people God has placed in our lives. 

Colossians 1:12

giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

    Paul sets an example of specific things he thanks God for. In this verse it is thanking God for allowing the Colossian believers to be brought in to share in the beautiful inheritance of living in Christ. Simply taking time to meditate and thank the Lord for the amazing miracle of Christ's work of redemption on the cross and all of the joys we are privileged to experience as a result, is Biblical and we are called make this a regular practice.  Paul is our example here. 

Colossians 2:7

rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

    Paul is instructing the Colossians here to keep their focus and mind on Christ as they continue to grow in their faith. The end of this verse, "abounding in thanksgiving" tells us how to walk and grow in Christ.  Abounding with thanksgiving is more than just a quick, "thank you" tossed in the direction of heaven.  This describes something that fills and overflows and spills out in everything we do.  We are to be so consumed with thanksgiving to God that it becomes the central theme of our lives. 

    This has been my challenge as I have meditated on this:  Am I "abounding with thanksgiving?"  Am I truly thanking God for His work in and through people and circumstances? Do I recognize that everything is orchestrated by God for His intended purpose -- and am I thankful for it?  Is my life a testimony to God's goodness?  Is my attitude reflecting an attitude of gratitude? 

    I hope that you are!  I am working on daily turning my eyes to Jesus and being thankful this month.  Next week I will share some more from Paul's letter to the Colossians on the topic of thanksgiving.  

Soli Deo Gloria!

💓Heather Sparks💓

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