Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, for to this you were called into one body. And be grateful.
Give thanks. Simple things but often difficult to do. What's more, during the holidays, it's easy to fade. It feels like many things in life are easier said than done. So how do I go about the holiday season with a grateful heart?
God's Word provides direction on how to prepare my heart for an attitude of gratitude.
1. Gratitude in Action
Colossians 3:17 gives clear instructions by stating, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God our Father through Him.” This verse encourages me to live my faith through action and reaction.
It could be anything and everything I do, from getting up in the morning and deciding to thank God for the day, to driving well and safely on the highway. Every action and reaction I determine beforehand to have an attitude of gratitude to God.
2. Be grateful by remembering
Psalm 77:11 encourages me to remember God's deeds. It's as simple as thanking God for His comfort, presence, and peace in everyday life, remembering that He never leaves me and you (Hebrews 13:5). Thinking about how I can surrender all my anxieties to Him (1 Peter 5:7).
This can be done as easily as taking the Bible and remembering the verses and underlined passages, remembering God's goodness, His mercy, and God's love.
Just as Psalm 105:5 encourages me to remember the miracles God has done, it helps to talk to family members and friends about the way God answers prayer and meets our needs.
Reminding myself of His faithfulness moves my heart toward gratitude.
3. Grateful in Everything
Giving thanks in everything can sometimes seem like a difficult task to do, especially in difficult circumstances. Even so, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 directs us to make this choice, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Although at times we were grateful it felt like the opposite reaction under serious circumstances, it made a lifelong impression on all of us. Surprisingly, giving thanks in such difficult circumstances not only comforted us, but also encouraged our hearts about God's plans for us in the future.
Always be grateful.
Related Post: God's Will Is Always Directly Proportional To Your Situation