Colossians 3:15 - Thanksgiving and Peace

Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Observation

What rules my heart?  When I wake up in the morning what is the first thing I think about? I am a task driven individual, so sometimes, it is tasks; and when the tasks are many I start my day out being overwhelmed.  In ministry, I would be gone most nights and when I would come home, my thoughts would be swarming with tasks and concerns.  I would spend most of the night processing those thoughts, while peace and, many times, sleep eluded me. 

I believe thankfulness is a huge key to peace. Like yesterday's verse in Philippians 4:6-7, we are to present our requests with thanksgiving and the peace of Christ will guard our hearts.  Again today in Colossians 3:15, peace and thankfulness are found together. 

I want to be thankful. I want to develop a habit where the first words from my lips are those of thankfulness; where the first thoughts in my head as a wake up are thankfulness, and I desire that gratitude dominate my thoughts as I go to bed at night.

Moreover, I need to thank others, believing the best in them.  What a great way to make peace with others and preserve the unity of the spirit (Eph. 4:3.).  Like Ephesians 5:4 say's, there should be no filthiness or silly talk, but only giving of thanks.  Even with those who don't like me would be at peace with me, because my gentleness would be evident to all (Philippians 4:5).

Then I think about my kids and how I want them to be more thankful.  I can't think of a better way to instruct them in thankfulness then to live it out loud.  I want to be a "glass half full" kind of gal.  And my reward will surely be peace. 

Application

My goal today is to lose count of how many times I say thank you to God and others. How fun! I think I will try to do this everyday :)

Prayer

Jehovah Shalom, You are the peace that guards my heart. How incredibly grateful I am to be found in You this day.  To wake up to Your voice singing over me (Zephaniah 3:17), to sit at Your gates waiting for Your word (Proverbs 8:34).  I'm grateful to serve You this day with joyful thanksgiving.  For You have put a song in my heart, and You have set my feet to dancing.  You are my beloved, my One and Only.  My heart seeks Your face and my soul thirsts for You. Thank You for Your incredible love that overwhelms and sustains me.  Please keep my heart turned towards You, so that I may walk in thankfulness at all times.