A Thankful Heart
Reflects a Christ-Centered Life
Topic of the month: Thankfulness
Have you ever strolled down a weed-covered path only to find yourself staring at a patch of wildflowers? You stare in awe at what appears to be a hidden garden. And you think, what a sweet surprise. Here lies a chance to stop and admire the beauty among the ordinary.
I don’t know how you choose your moments, but I don’t always stop very long to enjoy them, let alone “smell the roses”. My pace is quick and what lies before me is passed by with a swoosh! After all, there are things waiting for my attention and let’s be honest I am lucky to even get that stroll to begin with. So many hurried days. Time lost. Beauty ignored.
What if today we choose something better? What if we savor every moment, allowing them to bake into our minds and then into our hearts? How plentiful would our reasons be to give thanks? In Colossians 3:15 (ESV) Paul writes:
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
If we don’t allow Christ to rule in our hearts how can we truly be thankful?
Thankfulness can be considered ‘a condition of the heart’. A state of appreciation of benefits or kindness received. When we develop a Christ-centered heart, acknowledging His presence, we are able to focus on those gifts, benefits or blessings in our lives. With our focus distracted by emotions, trials or pain we are hindered from filtering our lives through the lens of Jesus Christ. This can’t happen without our cooperation, our desire, and our commitment to time spent with God. Let’s not rush away our time. Let’s stop and smell the roses!
Let’s pray:
Father, you are creator of our hearts, mind and souls. Please help us to set our focus on your face and desire a heart of thankfulness. Set our minds on the beauty in our lives and the Truth of your Word. We need you Lord, draw us close and remind us of the many benefits you provide us each and everyday. In Jesus Name. Amen
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture references: Colossians 3:15-16, Isaiah 26:3, Jeremiah 29:13, 1 Chronicles 16:11
