Enter His Gates With Thanksgiving! Part Two
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly tells his people to give thanks. For example, in 1 Chronicles 16:34, David says, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” It’s easy to give thanks when everything is going well, but what about when we’re going through tough times? We may not feel thankful at all in those moments, but God tells us to give thanks anyway. When we thank God, we recognize all the good things he’s done for us. We’re thanking him for our salvation, for the love he’s shown us, and for all the blessings he’s given us.
I read a story of a young woman who was extra grateful a few years ago because she had a new job, home, and sense of self. Her loving family and friends also surrounded her. She thanked God for all the blessings in her life, both big and small. From the bottom of her heart, she expressed gratitude for everything He had done for her. However, a few years later, things changed. She was going through a difficult time in her life, and it was hard to be grateful for anything. She wanted to lie in her bed to sleep and ignore everyone’s call, But she knew it was important to thank God, even when she didn’t feel like it.
1 Timothy 4:4-5 says, “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.”
Even though she had a lot on her mind, she decided to take a moment to write down everything she was thankful for. As she wrote, she began to feel more and more grateful. She also received a phone call from a good friend, which put a smile on her face. She was reminded that no matter what life throws her way, there are always things to be grateful for. While smiling with tears, She received another phone call from her contract company confirming that her book deal was going through.
Brethren, “thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” We can always find something to be thankful for, no matter what we face. When we have a grateful heart, it fills us with peace and joy. Therefore, “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll have more. If you concentrate on what you have, you will have more because what most people forget that they have is God. So, don’t let your circumstances get in the way of your happiness, and be thankful to God. Amen. Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Amen.
Prayer:
Thank you, God, for your love and for all the blessings you’ve given us. We are grateful for your grace and for the hope you give us during these times. Amen.
