The Example of Thankfulness
"We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you." – Colossians 1:3
When you read Colossians 1, one of the first things you notice is Paul’s tone. Before he gets into instruction, encouragement, or even correction, he starts with thankfulness. He thanks God for the believers in Colossae, for their faith in Christ, and for the love they have for others. Paul’s gratitude isn’t just a quick mention. It’s woven into the way he prays, the way he writes, and the way he relates to people.
Thankfulness shows up all over the Bible. The Psalms are filled with it. Jesus expressed it before feeding the five thousand and even before breaking bread on the night He was betrayed. Paul talks about it repeatedly in his letters, no matter what kind of circumstances he was in. The more you see it, the more you realize that thankfulness is not just a reaction to good things, it’s a posture of the heart.
We often think of thankfulness as something that happens when life is going well. But biblical thankfulness is deeper. It’s not dependent on circumstances. It’s not about pretending that everything is perfect. It’s about recognizing who God is, what He has done, and what He continues to do. It’s a deliberate choice to focus on His goodness instead of our lack.
When we read the Bible and see thankfulness in the lives of those who walked closely with God, it’s not just for our information; it’s for our imitation. Gratitude has a way of changing how we see everything else. It shifts our focus from problems to promises, from frustration to faith, from what’s missing to what’s already been given.
If you want to live more like Jesus, start by living with more gratitude. Let your prayers begin with thanksgiving. Let your words reflect a heart that notices God’s goodness. And let the example of thankfulness in the Bible become the example you live out every day.
When you read Colossians 1, one of the first things you notice is Paul’s tone. Before he gets into instruction, encouragement, or even correction, he starts with thankfulness. He thanks God for the believers in Colossae, for their faith in Christ, and for the love they have for others. Paul’s gratitude isn’t just a quick mention. It’s woven into the way he prays, the way he writes, and the way he relates to people.
Thankfulness shows up all over the Bible. The Psalms are filled with it. Jesus expressed it before feeding the five thousand and even before breaking bread on the night He was betrayed. Paul talks about it repeatedly in his letters, no matter what kind of circumstances he was in. The more you see it, the more you realize that thankfulness is not just a reaction to good things, it’s a posture of the heart.
We often think of thankfulness as something that happens when life is going well. But biblical thankfulness is deeper. It’s not dependent on circumstances. It’s not about pretending that everything is perfect. It’s about recognizing who God is, what He has done, and what He continues to do. It’s a deliberate choice to focus on His goodness instead of our lack.
When we read the Bible and see thankfulness in the lives of those who walked closely with God, it’s not just for our information; it’s for our imitation. Gratitude has a way of changing how we see everything else. It shifts our focus from problems to promises, from frustration to faith, from what’s missing to what’s already been given.
If you want to live more like Jesus, start by living with more gratitude. Let your prayers begin with thanksgiving. Let your words reflect a heart that notices God’s goodness. And let the example of thankfulness in the Bible become the example you live out every day.
Free Email Devotional - Sign Up Now
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Why Me?Ordinary but ChosenYour Past Prepares You for God's FutureWhy Not Me?The Burden of PreparationIt’s Bigger Than YouJust Show UpAnchored in PrayerBreakthrough Was Always God's PlanWaiting on Your BreakthroughTransformative Power of PrayerThe Art of PrayerThe God of BreakthroughKryptoniteLifelineThe Dare of DependenceWho Needs Your Prayers?Soaring in PrayerObedience Through PrayerThe Power of Prayer in Overcoming TemptationIs Your Heart Prepared for God's Mighty Work?The Joy of SimplicityPatient in Affliction, Faithful in PrayerBurning PrayersWhile You Wait...He WorksChoosing His Will with Free WillEquipped for Victory: Overcoming Sin from WithinEverydayThe Great I AMSaying Yes to GodOrdinary People, Extraordinary God
February
Freedom from LabelsFaithful Before the AppointmentLabels Don’t Define YouPut Off the ArmorRun Your Own RaceA Champion, Not a ContestantThe Story’s Not OverWhat Really MattersWinning the Battle WithinYou Are Positioned for a PurposeYour Worth Is SetYou Are EnoughTake Off the MaskOn Purpose, For a PurposeKnown. Loved. Enough.What Are You Afraid of Losing?What Are You Trying to Hide?What Are You Still Trying to Prove?What Are You Chasing?Stop Faking ItAre You Living in Fear?Stop Hiding Behind FearLive in God’s TruthOne OpportunityYour Identity Is in ChristYou’re His WorkmanshipYour Weakness Doesn’t Disqualify YouYou’re in God’s Providence
March
Stop Living the LiesGod Put You HereGod Didn’t Make a MistakeYou Belong HereTake Off the MaskBreaking Free from Imposter SyndromeWhat Are You Afraid of Losing?What Are You Still Trying to Prove?Leading with HumilityLeading with WisdomStop Holding Yourself BackWho Are You Really?The Cost of Believing the LieT.H.I.N.K.Failure Is Not FinalThere is a Dream Inside of YouIt’s Time to Dream AgainThe Journey to Your DreamBe Careful Who You Share Your Dream WithWhen the Dream Leads to a PitThey Can’t Steal God’s FavorFaithful in the Small ThingsIntegrity When No One (and Everyone) is WatchingWhose Name Are You Building?God Will Honor Your ObedienceGod Will Honor Your ObedienceGod Has Not Forgotten YouA Renewed Mind Changes EverythingA Mind Set on the SpiritChange Starts from the Inside OutThe Power of BeliefA Renewed Mind Sees Differently
1 Comment
Thank you Pastor Ed! Church was amazing yesterday. Seems like I have been gone so long working. My dad was visiting from far away and came with us. Both him and one of my sons don’t believe. Not only was he impressed but also my oldest all of a sudden wants to be apart of the asl church. He has been studying at school and is now in year three. What a blessing. Not to mention the sermon.