Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Why are we commanded to be thankful?
Here are a few reasons:
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to worship God for who He is
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to shift your perspective off of the current situation onto God
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to acknowledge God in every single aspect of your life
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to fully submit to God’s will
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to change your heart attitude
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to regain an eternal perspective
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to prove your faith in God to yourself and others watching
While cycling, I was meditating on Colossians 3:15; specifically, on the commands of letting peace rule and being thankful.
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.Colossians 3:15
As I'm flying down a somewhat dangerous road (sorry, Mom), a big scary bug flew into my glasses. With the cars soaring by and no space to pull over, I continued flying down a hill on Mountain Road. My mind was racing more quickly than my legs as I imagined a bee stinging my face and causing a crash as I felt it crawling up my forehead toward my helmet.
Colossians 3:15 came buzzing back into my heart with the still small voice of God asking if I trusted Him.
Was I going to choose to let the peace of God rule in my heart? Or, will I let my fearful pessimism of the mystery bug lead the way? With the grace of God, I remembered Romans 8:38 and chose to trust Him. I resolved to continue riding despite what might be hitching a ride on me with a thankful heart. Shortly thereafter, I discovered the fierce hitchhiker crawling on my glasses: a big scary ladybug!
These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.John 14:25-27
During that bike ride, I learned that the choice of being thankful is what results in the peace of God ruling in my heart.
Crystal grew up in the world but God used her back injury to draw her to Himself through the miracle of salvation. She was born again in 2016 and since then has possessed the yearning desire to learn more about His miraculous truths in His perfect Word. Oftentimes, she journals from her hammock near a stream and hopes to serve the Lord in a sailboat one day! In order to choose the title of her column, Crystal combined her heart’s desire with Proverbs 31:14, “She [the virtuous woman] is like the merchant’s ships; she bringeth her food from afar.”
Comments 2
I am thankful for you! Nice article!
Yes, LET this peace rule and if there is no peace…something is wrong!