I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:1-2, ESV
Perspectives matter. Yes, there are plenty of bad things in this life. There are also good and beautiful things provided by God, most especially His grace and mercy as found at the cross.
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15, ESV
We have peace knowing our Lord has already won the war, and we can be thankful because we have guarantee of the Holy Spirit of our delivery into eternal life with Christ.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17, ESV
Every part of our lives should be dedicated to God and done with gratitude. Work, play, cleaning, socializing, feeding your pets, making meals, listening to the news … every part.
So, if you are reading this, be thankful you made it through the year!
Even if 2019 was the hardest year of your life, or you hate the politicians, or circumstances could have been better …
… give thanks to God. And start the year in thanksgiving.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15, NIV
Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:18b-20, NIV
I could write a love song Tell you what I think you want to hear But it wouldn’t be good enough, no Yeah, I could try so hard To give it everything I’ve got But I’m not ever gonna measure up
(Chorus) All I can do is thank you for this life I never deserved Wanna thank you for the grace I know I don’t have to earn You love me, you love me, your mercy is proof All I can do is say thank you All I can do is say thank you
It would have been easy But I’m glad you never walked away Cause your love runs deep for me And I see this beautiful world and it brings tears to my eyes And I think it’s beautiful to be free
(Chorus) All I can do is thank you for this life I never deserved Wanna thank you for the grace I know I don’t have to earn You love me, you love me, your mercy is proof All I can do is say thank you All I can do is say thank you
For love, for hope, for all the ways Yeah, for everything you do What else can I say but thank you Thank you
I could write a love song Tell you what I think you wanna hear But it wouldn’t be good enough
(Chorus) All I can do is thank you for this life I never deserved Wanna thank you for the grace I know I don’t have to earn You love me, you love me, your mercy is proof All I can do is say thank you All I can do is say thank you
All I can do, all I can do, all I can do is say thank you (repeat)
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2, ESV
Do not merely recite prayers “because you have to.” Pray continuously, seeking God, His will, and wisdom, but also being aware of your world and those around you. And thank Him for His provision, that He is in control, and His love and grace.
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17, ESV
Whether work, school, chores, driving, teaching, preaching, vacationing, relaxing, reading, writing, giving or following directions, sitting quietly, running a marathon, going to the hospital (for good or ill), or whatever …
Do we truly love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths? Maybe I can help with the mind part, at least! This is Daniel M. Klem, apparent poet, reluctant yet passionate Disciple (Peter?), and foolish man attempting to understand theology!