Devotional for Wednesday, December 13, 2017
“Maintaining a Thankful Heart”
by Dona Hake
Colossians 3:15-17 Amplified
“Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers].
And be thankful [to God always].
Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Yesterday we meditated upon God’s peace ruling our hearts and minds. This scripture proceeds to tell us that we are to be thankful to God always. When you maintain a thankful heart and attitude, this is evidence that the peace of God is ruling in your heart, and mind as well. When one begins to dwell upon negative things rather than holding fast to his peace they will begin to entertain the thoughts that contribute to a negative, defeated and critical attitude, I guarantee you…if you do not maintain a thankful heart, you will find that your faith will begin to weaken.
“…in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench [subdue, or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of] the [Holy] Spirit.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18-19
No matter what circumstance we will ever face, we are to remain thankful. Ponder all the blessings that the Lord has given you. Whether large or small, they are worthy to be thankful for . The Scripture reveals that if we have an unthankful heart that we will quench the working and guidance of the Holy Spirit in our life. I believe when the Lord is instructing us to be thankful no matter what circumstance is going on around us, that He will be true to His Word, and He will perform a good thing in the midst of our battle. Look to Him today, and at all times with a thankful heart.