Be thankful
November 25, 2009 (Wednesday)
From his prison in Rome, facing imminent execution, Paul writes to the Colossians, “Be thankful” (Col 3:15 NIV). Perhaps this is a key to understanding this great man. In any and all circumstances he has an “attitude of gratitude.” A thankful spirit will fill our lives with love, joy and peace.
We can be thankful for all our blessings. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father” (James 1:17). Jesus set the example for us in being thankful. He was thankful for food (Mark 6:41), personal gifts (John 12:7), friends (John 15:15), helpful service (Matthew 25:34-36), revealed truth (Matthew 11:25), and answered prayer (John 11:41-42).
We can be thankful when it seems that little is being given to us. A thankful spirit does not demand more. A great singer of a bygone era demanded 18 pillows and 3 mattresses when he stayed at hotels. We seem to make unreasonable demands at times when we want something from God. A true thankfulness manifests itself even during hardship and suffering. Paul was thankful in spite of troubling circumstances. Like Habakkuk of old, he taught us by his example to rejoice in the Lord amidst desolation (Habakkuk 3:17-18).
We can be thankful for God himself, apart from what we believe he is doing for us. We’re not just thankful for the given, we are thankful for the giver. He is a person to be worshiped, not a storehouse. The cross of Calvary testifies that God loves us and demonstrates that love by giving up his only son for us. There is no greater gift. Surely we will always be thankful for him.
All of our prayers can be offered “with thanksgiving” and our hearts will be filled with a peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).