I don’t believe I fully understand the power of being thankful; or to put it another way, of having a “thanks-giving heart.” It is remarkably transforming. A thanks-giving heart doesn’t just bless me; but—like the irrepressible giggle of a baby—it is irresistibly infectious.
What do I mean by a “thanks-giving heart?“
It’s best described by the experience. For example, when I’m out hiking, I like to begin thanking God for the basics—a healthy body; eyes to see the beauty of nature; ears to hear the birds; a nose to smell the scents of nature; and a sound mind to process all the beauty. I begin to get excited about how blessed I am and so then I move beyond the basics. I thank God for the great satisfaction I’ve experienced in the special purpose He has given me. I thank Him for the fact that I belong to an eternal family and have friends to share in the joy of this brotherhood and sisterhood. I thank God for the immeasurable joy of His friendship–His patience and mercy towards me and the great comfort of my salvation that gives me peace from the anxieties of the world. The list of things to be thankful for is truly endless…
But then…as my heart becomes more and more thankful, all the space of my soul is crowded to overflowing with His great joy and peace.
A “thanks-giving heart” makes me realize that my life is better than I could have ever asked for or imagined! If there is anyone around me–well, my joy overflows to them! But don’t think for a moment that I wake up every morning feeling this way! No—thankfulness must be cultivated EVERY day. The carnal part of us (our flesh) is NEVER satisfied. Our enemies fan the fire of unthankfulness and seek to convince us that WE DON’T HAVE enough and WE ARE NOT enough. Our entire culture tries to convince us we MUST have more money, a better job, better relationships, better clothes, better looks, etc. We are tricked into believing that MORE things will give us MORE love, joy, and peace.
But it’s a lie.
My friend, true love, joy, and peace are the fruits of the Holy Spirit of God and—they are not for sale.
When we are born again, Jesus comes to live inside of us and enables us to experience HIS love, joy and peace. But we often don’t, because we get caught up in what we have been told by our culture is “real life”; that is, the jobs, the bills, the kids, the rat-race, etc. You don’t have to be a super-christian (whatever that means) to experience God’s love, joy and peace. You just need to start developing the habits of a thanks-giving heart.
When I am deliberately thankful I realize that there is no room in my heart for darkness and dissatisfaction because…
- I CAN’T be bitter when I’m thankful for all God has forgiven me;
- I CAN’T be hateful when I’m thankful for the love God has given me;
- I CAN’T be ugly to others when I’m thankful that God created us ALL (even my enemies) in the beauty of His image;
- I CAN’T be anxious when I’m thankful that the Prince of Peace–who conquered all that I fear—is walking with me;
AND…conversely, when I’M thankful, God fills me up like a well with HIS unending supply of…love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, gentleness, humility, generosity, and forgiveness! When I have a “thanks-giving heart” I LOVE who God made me and He enables me to LOVE those around me. If you read the following two passages, the contrast between a thankful heart and an unthankful heart is very clear:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the PEACE of God, which surpasses all understanding, will GUARD your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
“Although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became FUTILE in their thoughts, and their FOOLISH hearts were DARKENED. Professing to be wise, they became FOOLS.”
Romans 1:21-22
Do you see the sharp contrast between a heart thankful to God and a heart that is unthankful? When we become unthankful, our life becomes so dark that we live like God does not exist. We become fools! If something as simple as thankfulness can GUARD our heart and mind—isn’t it worth trying? I think so! I am beginning to stop several times a day just to give GOD thanks. In exchange, He gives my mind what no money can buy—HIS peace.
Take this reminder with you today and live in God’s great peace:
“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 3:17 NKJV
We would love to hear your thoughts about this devotional. Did God speak to you or challenge your daily walk with him? Or is there a topic that you would like Kimberly to cover or expound on? Please share with us in the comments below.
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4 Responses
Amen !!!
Thank you for commenting!
Gratitude is the recipe for a peaceful and joyful life.
Amen!