Language of Thanks Giving

As I have thought about the upcoming holidays I can’t help thinking of those for whom the season are full of difficulty. Family conflicts, misunderstandings all conspire to rob us of a thankful perspective. I believe that joy in this life is learned and nurtured in the garden of thankfulness. It is when we see and comprehend (by faith) what God has done and is doing for us today that our perspective begins to change. Thankfulness lets us see the hand of God in our lives!!! How do we maintain an attitude of thanksgiving? In my own life it begins with worship and praise – an expression of the will mixed with faith. I have to make the decision to express gratitude to God in a time of testing and conflict. I was reading….

Col 3:16-17
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

The phrase “whatever you do” struck me; thankfulness is an application of the will! Realizing that being thankful is not an emotion but a function of the intellect we can choose to look and recognize God’s faithfulness. I find it helpful to Meditate and saturate your soul with the Word of God. I find that I have to train my self to take joy in the small things.

Heb 13:15-16
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-- the fruit of lips that confess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

All of this has more to do with giving honor to God than trying to be a better person.