After the Miracle

Today's Devotional Thought
November 03, 2010 by Wendy Foreman

Thankfulness

When we step foot in church and the music begins and we start singing praises to our God, are our hearts filled with gratitude and thankfulness? If you are anything like many families, I dare say that by the time we have walked into a service on Sunday morning, our minds are on anything but gratitude. We have rushed the kids out the door, fought with them about what they are going to wear, and where or what we are going to eat for lunch. We race to church, file into a pew, and then expect to hear from the Lord.

And that is where the music comes in. Music should play a big part in our lives where thankfulness is concerned. When you look at the lyrics of many hymns or praise choruses, they are written in a way that truly worships our Lord. And much like the Psalms were written, these words bring us into a time of thankfulness for who God is and what He has done for us.

When we think of thankfulness and preparing our hearts through music, we should remember to be thankful through all life circumstances. Today�s verses in Colossians tell us that whatever we do, in word or deed, should be done all in the name of Jesus and we should be giving thanks to God the Father through Him. We should honor God in all aspects of our lives, in every mood and circumstance and even in the minor daily tasks we accomplish. We need to be aware that no matter where we are or what we are doing, we represent Christ and should praise Him!

We are a testimony to those around us. When we strive to honor Him with our lives and express gratitude and thankfulness to Him, others notice. And, much like the music on Sunday morning can draw us into a worshipful time with the Lord, I believe that our expressions of daily gratitude can draw others to Him also. Be grateful today in song, in deed, and in expression and show others that gratitude today.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
~Colossians 3:16-17