For December 31st:

Today’s entry is the final entry for this 2013 Living a Life of Gratitude Daily Devotional from the Christ United Methodist Church Women’s Ministry. We end this journey with words that sum up what we have been sharing with one another over the past year and that will hopefully inspire us to continue seeking Him in gratitude. Thank you all.

CUMC Women’s Ministry

“Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.” Colossians 2:6-7

The following is quoted from the newsletter of Charles Stanley. His words really spoke to my heart.

            “When people don’t have gratitude in their hearts, they don’t practice it with their words, attitudes, or actions. Let’s consider what it takes to have a heart that overflows with thanksgiving.

First of all, gratitude springs from a relationship with Christ. When we consider all the spiritual riches God lavishes on us because of our relationship with His Son, our hearts can’t help but overflow with thankfulness.

            Second, a thankful attitude is sustained by a lifestyle of walking with Christ. He works internally, changing us from self-centered, ungrateful, and sinful people into saints who display the fruit of the Spirit.

            Third, consistent gratitude is a result of being firmly rooted and being built up in Christ. Since life is filled with trials and heart aches which could easily cause despair, anger, and bitterness, we need to dig deep into scripture to gain God’s perspective on our difficulties.

            Fourth, unfailing gratitude is based on established faith. The only way to be consistently grateful is to believe God and His Word. When we have firm confidence that our God is good, even when our circumstances aren’t, we’ll be thankful in every situation knowing that He’s working it out for good.

            Instead of being discouraged by our difficulties, focus on the Lord’s blessings which are spiritual in nature and stretch all the way into eternity. If you begin doing this today, before long you’ll gain a heavenly perspective and overflow with gratitude to God, even when the storms of life rage around you.”

Tamara Klemm