Gather • Devotion #6: And Be Thankful

Dr. Randy T. Johnson

 

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 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 3:15-17

This passage is filled with concepts associated with gatherings:

  • One body
  • Teaching
  • Admonishing
  • Sings psalms and hymns

However, one theme is repeated three times:

  • “And be thankful.”
  • “With thankfulness in your hearts”
  • “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.”

The concept of a church gathering and being thankful should naturally go together. Going and being involved in a gathering is a way of saying thank you to God. This is a repeated theme. Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” Please come to the gatherings excited to express thanks to God. Let others know how good He is. Psalm 111:1 adds, “Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.” He mentions that we should “give thanks” to the Lord while with other believers.

People ask, “What is God’s will for my life?” In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul gives an answer, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” We are to be thankful.

Psalm 92:1 adds, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High.” It is a little humorous how basic this statement is. He basically says, “In case you are wondering, it is a good thing to thank God.” Sometimes powerful advice can be simple logic.

Going back to our original passage, I love the second sentence – “And be thankful.” I am not sure English teachers would allow it structurally, but it sure says it all. We need to take time to intentionally and publicly thank God.