“A lack of pain is not a prerequisite to gratitude.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 28, 2024
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:15-17., NKJV
I love the boldness of Paul’s admonition to the Colossians. “Be thankful!” As a parent, whenever I’ve tried similar tactics, they’ve never seemed to work out in my favor. “Stop crying!” “Tell her you’re sorry!” “Be kind!” No matter how passionately I may share these “words of wisdom,” they seem to go in one ear and out the other.
In part, this is because children lack the ability to master their emotions. If a child is hungry, that longing drives their every action and response, taking control and turning them in whatever direction it may choose. As we mature, however, we are meant to learn how to tame and control our impulses and desires, keeping them in their proper place, and this is precisely the inspiration behind Paul’s words in Colossians 3.
When we let our emotions drive the “bus” of our lives, there’s always something that can threaten to keep us from a life of gratitude. A relationship that didn’t work out. A promotion that you didn’t get. A health battle that has left you broken and exhausted. On and on we could go. Yet whatever possible discouragement you may be facing, imagine Paul looking at you today, this very moment, and saying, “Be thankful!”
A lack of pain is not a prerequisite to gratitude. If it were, who could ever live a truly thankful and joy-filled life? No, Paul is not asking us to ignore the struggles and disappointments in our lives, he’s telling us to put them in their proper place. Yes, this life is filled with struggles, but Christ is with us! The Lord has conquered, and he is our peace. When Christ dwells in our midst and makes his home in our hearts, there is always room for gratitude, always cause for thanksgiving. And so today, even with the pain you’ve had to endure and the wounds you still carry, look afresh to the mercy, love, and goodness of God in Jesus and be thankful.
Prayer
Father, today we choose to be thankful, reminding our hearts that your goodness is our source of joy and everlasting peace, and we give thanks for your many gifts, but most of all, the gift of your presence through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
No matter what challenges you face, choose today to be thankful.
Related Reading
Psalm 95:2-3; Philippians 4:6-7; James 1:17
Worship Resource
Brandon Lake: Gratitude
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