The Word of Thankfulness – Reminding Us Of God
Paul ties thankfulness directly to the Word of God. That Word “richly dwells within us.” When the Word fills the heart, thanksgiving flows from the lips.
The Word of Thankfulness – Reminding Us Of God
Colossians 3:16
“Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you … singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Thanksgiving is rooted in Scripture. God’s Word shapes the heart and directs the mind—pointing us always to God and to what He does for us.
The Word reminds us of who God is: faithful, loving, slow to anger, abounding in mercy. It reminds us of what God has done: rescuing us from sin, delivering us from evil, sending His Son and raising Him from the dead. It reminds us of His promises: the joy of forgiveness, the peace of His presence, the love of His grace, and the hope His mercy brings. Our carnal nature breeds ingratitude—but the Word keeps us from forgetting His works.
In the verse above, Paul ties thankfulness directly to the Word of God. That Word “richly dwells within us.” When the Word fills the heart, thanksgiving flows from the lips.
We’re about to celebrate a national day set aside specifically for giving thanks. Let’s talk about what that looks like for believers.
For the Christian, gratitude has a particular shape. Our thanksgiving begins with God and is rooted in His Word. We are thanking God on Thanksgiving Day.
Don’t get me wrong—it’s good to thank your friends, employer, family, and neighbors. But let’s not forget that God is the One to whom we owe an incalculable debt. Thank Him. Then thank Him again. And again. That is our proper response to the God who made us, who gave us everything we have and who saved us from ourselves.
Now that we’ve settled that, let’s remember that the Christian gives thanks for all things and at all times. Read that again: ALL things—ALL times. That means we are to thank God for everything in our lives, good or bad. Consider this verse:
Ephesians 5:20
“…always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ...”
So here is my challenge to you for this week: Consciously become thankful even for the hard things in your life, as well as the good. Work on that today, and I’ll explain more tomorrow. Practice thanking God for everything—starting now.
