Give Thanks, it is easier said than done. Do you agree? Possibly this season you’re looking for encouragement and direction with how to accomplish feeling thankful and not just saying it. After all, we do want to appreciate the good and godly things that God has blessed us with.
So, what to do?
First, Filter our thoughts. Filters separate out impurities. Whether it’s the water we drink or the oil in our cars. Filters are necessary, and the same goes for our thoughts. So, what is the filter that helps us? It is the word of God. “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (1 Cor. 10:5). We will constantly need to filter out selfish and sinful, controlling and contrary thoughts that affect our hearts. “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Ps. 119:11). Scripture separates out pollutants that impact our joy, love, peace, and THANKFULNESS. Let God’s word filter your whole life.
Next is to become driven and not drift. It’s easy to drift, by allowing yourself to be pushed around by circumstances. To be driven requires intentionality and perseverance. Paul pushed for believers to, “…continue to live in Him (Christ), rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Col. 2:7). Rooted, is to grow deep in convictions and determination in Christ. Strengthened, is to build discipline in your use of time, friendships, and resources focused for God. Lastly, is to let gratitude be perpetual – in everything be THANKFUL. Focus on Jesus’ life.
Caution! There is a tendency we all should be careful to NOT do and that is to emphasize Jesus more than scripture, or vice versa. Remember, Jesus is the living word and scripture is the written word. They are inseparable. Jesus and scripture are one.
So let the filter of Jesus and His word continue the process of purification. It’s important to help our spiritual health and more. This is an ongoing process as John says, “test all spirits” (1 Jn. 1:4).
Happy Thanksgiving all