And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:15-17, NLT
In business and marketing formats, there is a classic principle that the repetition of your idea or message must occur seven times before action results. Seven times!
We certainly see this principle play out in the world of education. Written lists and verbal reminders are necessary for busy and distracted minds. Maybe you, like me, find yourself repeating your instructions again and again to your students. Take heart. Research shows that repetition is a cornerstone of learning.
In Colossians 3, the Apostle Paul gives a swath of instructions for our Christian life, directing us towards flourishing relationships in our marriages, families, and church communities. Verses 15-17 tell us to “…let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (Colossians 3:15-17, NLT).
Pause for a second and read those verses again. How many times does Paul tell the Colossians to be thankful?
Three brief verses contain the command to choose thankfulness repeatedly. Do you need this repetition as much as I do? I’ve read the research about gratitude and the outstanding impact it has on our physical and mental health. I’ve seen the benefits in my own personal life and relationships when I choose thankfulness! In the darkest, hardest times, I’ve found that thanking God for His mighty and loving sovereignty over my circumstances is transformative. And yet…I must be reminded.
What can you thank Him for today? How can you express your gratitude to God, and to those around you?
Lord, today I choose to thank You for (name people and things for which you are thankful). You’ve given me life (thank Him for breath, nourishment, health). You’ve rescued me through the Lord Jesus (thank Him for your salvation). Help me to see the myriad of ways You are worthy of my praise and gratitude. Help me to thank You more and more! Amen!
Copyright Elizabeth Claasen.
A high school history teacher and curriculum developer, Elizabeth has served overseas for nearly twenty years. She loves nerdy trivia, her family, and the Word of God.
One Response
Thank you for this beautiful reminder that we need to choose thankfulness again and again. I especially appreciated the reminder that even in the darkest and hardest times, we can thank God for His loving and mighty sovereignty over our circumstances. I moved for a teaching job, signed a one-year lease, and on August 14th, I received a notice that I was terminated because of a reduction in force. It has been hard because it took me eight years to get my teaching credential, and I was interviewed and recommended for this job in March. In June, another teacher was hired for the same grade level as me. She has no teaching credential, no teaching classes, and no teaching experience; I was chosen to have all the special education students, and I was told to do all the lesson plans except for math because she has never written lesson plans, yet I was the chosen teacher to be terminated.
Sometimes I focus so much on what is difficult that I forget to recognize the many blessings God has already placed in my life. This devotional encouraged me to pause and intentionally thank Him—not only for the big things, but also for the simple everyday blessings that I can easily take for granted.
“Help me to see the myriad of ways You are worthy of my praise and gratitude. Help me to thank You more and more!” Amen! What a wonderful prayer and something I want to carry with me each day. Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional!