Thanksgiving in Tough Times #1

As we begin this new month and this new series of scriptures, we really want to focus on living lives of thanksgiving, even when life gets tough.  In his letter to the Colossians Paul was writing to a group of believers whose faith was under attack.  Heretical teachers were playing mind games with them to try to get them to abandon their faith in Christ.  After an introductory chapter exalting the person of Christ, in the second chapter Paul warns them to not be deluded or have their thoughts taken captive. In between he says this in verse
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

We are called to live a life of thanksgiving.  When we trust and obey Christ, when our lives are built on Him and what he has done for us, the result will be a life of confidence and thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving protects our minds from false thoughts. It is a shield and a sword to fight back against tough times in life. We will be back here in each chapter of this letter during our study; it is a great read if you are struggling to be thankful. But we will also be throughout the New Testament and Psalms learning to be more thankful. May God give us hearts for thanksgiving not just for today, or this month, but from this time forward.