Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Colossians 3:16-17 NKJV
Gratitude (Grace)
Is a feeling of receiving something you are not “entitled” to, a heart of appreciation. Gratitude is a personal response to experiencing God’s goodness.
When you realize that God is working in your life- you’ll show gratefulness in how you live your life!
Thankfulness is a feeling that relates to an action/behavior that helps you and it’s usually a temporary feeling.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
1). Be joyful. . . . . . . . . _always_.
Rejoice always,
2). Pray . . . . . . . . . _without ceasing_.
pray without ceasing,
3). Give thanks . . . . . . . _in all circumstances_.
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Don’t miss this. . . . . . . . .
1). God did not say be thankful FOR all things, but be thankful IN all things.
2). And since it is God’s will for us to give thanks, He never tells us to do anything He, Himself is not able to do through us.
There is no event or circumstance that can occur in my life that should diminish my joy, prayers or my thankfulness.
Final questions/examinations:
1). Are you faithfully following God’s will to be joyful, prayerful and thankful?
2). Are working with someone for their joy, encouragement of prayer and thankfulness?
Joy in the Lord is not that same as happiness. You have the Joy of the Lord, but not be in happy circumstances.