Colossians 2:6-7- As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith , as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving

Developing an attitude of gratitude is a key to being steadfast in our walk of FAITH. The apostle Paul teaches that as we abound with thanksgiving we will be “rooted and built up and established in the faith”. It is easy to fall into the trap of complaining and being negative, especially in unfavourable situations at home or at work. Keeping our hearts full of praise and thanksgiving is worth the effort and brings rich reward into our lives

How to develop the THANKFUL LIFE

1. Manage your thought-life (2Cor 10:5)The attitude of gratitude begins with right thinking. Thoughts are powerful and we can choose to think upon praise worthy things. By casting down thoughts contrary to the thankful life you will be filled with a sense of appreciation

Phil 4:8- Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these thing

2. The “Thankful Life” has an OUTWARD FOCUS, in other words, is not SELF ABSORBED

1. Focus on the GOODNESS OF GOD
   1. Psalm 73:1- Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart (David goes on to say that had almost slipped in his walk with God. He had allowed envy to enter his thoughts when he saw how the wicked were prospering. He couldn’t understand how God could allow this and felt he was being unfairly treated…) UNTIL HE WENT INTO THE SANCTUARY OF GOD…THEN HE UNDERSTOOD (V17)…IT IS GOOD FOR ME TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD. I have put my trust in the LORD GOD” (V28).
   2. Focus on what you truly appreciate in others. This was Paul’s lesson in Col 2- Rather than focussing on the false teachers and all the possible damage they may have caused…Paul expressed appreciation for their LOVE, THEIR ORDER, THEIR STEADFASTNESS, and THEIR FAITH

The “Thankful Life” is a CHOICE

1. Hebrews 13:15- By HIM therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God CONTINUALLY , that is the fruit of our lips GIVING THANKS to his name
2. Lev 22:29- And when you will offer a SACRIFICE of THANKSGIVING unto the LORD , offer it at your own will

The “Thankful Life” is an expression of FAITH

1. 1Thess 5:18- IN EVERYTHING give thanks…for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you
   1. It takes faith to give God thanks in everything. Our attitude of gratitude will keep us free from the trap of complaining and feeling sorry for ourselves

The “Thankful Life” brings rich reward

1. Psalm 103:2- Bless the Lord O my soul, and forget not all his benefits
   1. Thankful people argue less, experience less stress, have more peace, are more content with life, are less self-focussed, and have better relationships. There are great benefits to developing gratitude

The “Thankful Life” gets you  through you in the dark seasons

1. Psalm 119:62- At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee…
2. Psalm 23:4- Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil

The “Thankful Life” reflects the LIFE of HEAVEN

1. Rev 11:17 (the four and twenty beasts before the throne) We give thee thanks, O LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, which art, and wast, and art to come; because you have taken unto thee thy great power, and hast reigned

Faith enables us to be thankful in all circumstances. As we think on things that are TRUE, honest, just, lovely, praise-worthy and GOOD things, we experience a supernatural peace. The LIFE of THANKSGIVING is a choice and will produce great benefits such as health and stronger relationships. Thankfulness is a power which will guide us through the dark times and reflect the LIFE of heaven here on earth

God Bless you!