By: Elizabeth Haarberg

Thankful Heart

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

Thankfulness lightens our hearts. It’s impossible to be thankful and grouchy. Thankfulness is a ticket out of the pit.

In Thessalonians it states that three things are the will of God for our lives.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 English Standard Version

Jesus knew the power of being thankful. He gave thanks BEFORE he broke the bread. The sequence of this is interesting. He knew instinctively that giving thanks before sacrifice was important.

“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.'”
Luke 22:19 English Standard Version

Jesus only did what the Father did. In the same way, one of the most effective ways in learning how to be more like Jesus is studying his actions. The fact He paused for thankfulness before He performed one of the most important acts in the Bible is a clue to what we should emulate. 

It’s not helpful to manufacture emotions or feelings. In this case, just saying “Thank you, Jesus” can lighten and open our hearts. Singing a song that lightens our mood, giving someone a compliment, being kind to someone who has been rude or unkind are a few ways to increase the chances of becoming a more thankful person.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”
1 Chronicles 16:34 English Standard Version

Simply thanking God for the the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat can change the most negative heart and mind toward the goodness of God.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado.