Overflowing Thankfulness

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. - Colossians 2:6-7



As I studied this passage, I wondered how do we become "overflowing with thankfulness?" I have never thought of my generation as one that is described this way. In fact, I would use the word, "spoiled," as a more accurate adjective for my age group. I know I'm pretty spoiled. I mean, I am thankful for my husband, for my kids, parents, my house, my car, my job. (I don't really get to call what I do a job because I love my work.)

But, I would not describe myself as "overflowing with thankfulness."

So, I thought it incumbant upon me to find out how to become so. I looked for some other references in God's word about thankfulness that could maybe help me understand how to be overflowing with thankfulness. (I love that phrase)

Romans 1:21 says this: "Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship Him as God or even give thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused."

If I am honest with myself, I can't tell you how many times I have tried to put God in a box and label it as I wanted Him to be, instead of being thankful for who He is and who He wants me to be.

1 Thes 5:18 says "Be thankful in all cirsumstances, for this is God's will for who you belong to Christ Jesus."

Umm, I think that really says it all. I heard a testimony a couple of weeks ago from a lady who is suffering with cancer. She made the statement that she had gone from the thinking ,"why me," to "why not me?" She is thankful for the opportunity to be a servant to God through her circumstances. Oh, to have that kind of faith! What a blessing to see it in action and to be a part of the family of God!

1 Tim 1:12 "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do His work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve Him."

In all areas of my life, God has somehow counted me worthy to serve Him and to do His work. As a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, teacher, worshipper, follower, leader, whatever He calls me to do. Whether I feel equipped at the moment or not, He counts me worthy and has given me strength to serve Him. He counts us all worthy when we received Him. There is nothing special we have had to do to receive worth. We were worth enough to Him to give His life. From the knowledge of all of these things, I have "overflowing thankfulness."

Sweet Moment

Last night, my children and I read three books together at bedtime as we always do. I kissed them and told them to have a good night. I left the room to go to my own bed which was beckoning me as I have been ill.

As I crossed the house, I heard the quick pitter patter of little feet behind me and in a very excited and incredulous voice, my son said, "Mommy, you forgot to pray with us."

My heart was warmed and I was thankful for all of the people that teach my children about Jesus at church. I was thankful for how special it is for us to pray together at night.

Well, needless to say, I immediately went back into their rooms and we said our prayers, something I can't believe I forgot, but that I'm glad my son didn't.