Developing a Habit of Thankfulness
I love home improvement shows. One of my favorites was HGTV’s Fixer Upper with Chip and Joanna Gaines. I especially enjoy watching Joanna put the finishing touches on each house transformation and then watching the big reveal. On one episode I was drawn to a large encouraging sign she hung for the new owners, “Today is a Good Day for a Good Day.”
This study is based off of the teaching series The Clarity of Mystery. Click Below to watch it now.
I had this saying etched on a 18×24 white-washed wooden board that sits on my entryway table. It is the first thing I see every morning when I come down the stairs. The words remind me to start my day with a spirit of praise and thankfulness, much like the apostle Paul starts his letter to the Colossians.
“To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father. We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.” Colossians 1:2-3.
Paul wrote his letter of encouragement to the new Christians in Colossae after Epaphras, their concerned and faithful minister, came to visit Paul in prison in Rome. In spite of his circumstances, his poor health, and the alarming news of false teachers in Colossae, Paul thanked God for his faithful brothers and sisters in Christ and their transformation. Focused on our Heavenly Father, Paul overflowed with praise and thankfulness and modeled a way to begin prayer.
When your focus is on the Creator and not your circumstances, praise and thankfulness flows.
Where is your focus when you start your day? Is it your to-do list, rushing to start work, or worrying about the problems you expect to face?
Make a choice to give God the first moments of your day. Throw off the heaviness that wants to weigh you down. Instead, center your thoughts with a habit of praise and thankfulness. It will change how you face the day and interact with others as you breathe gratitude.
Prayer: Dear gracious heavenly Father, Today is a Good Day for a Good Day. I lift my hands and heart up to you. I rejoice in the day that you have made. I am thankful the Creator of the Universe is my constant companion; my protector, my provider and my strength. Amen
More Moments:
Here are some other Bible Verses about being thankful.
- Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 106:1
- Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
- I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High. Psalm 7:17
- Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4
- Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18