Growing In Gratitude

When I think of the wisdom and scope of his plan I fall down on my knees and pray to the Father of all the great family of God - some of them already in heaven and some down here on earth - that out of his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you the mighty inner strengthening of his Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts, living within you as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love; and may you be able to feel and understand, as all God's children should, how long, how wide, how deep, and how high his love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves, though it is so great that you will never see the end of it or fully know or understand it. And so at last you will be filled up with God himself. Ephesians 3: 14-19 (TLB)

Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him. See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all he has done. Colossians 2:7 (TLB)

In the book of Colossians, Paul poured out his heart as he urged Christians to build their lives on Jesus. "Be rooted and built up in him," Paul wrote. Any tree that is firm and solid has roots extended down into the ground, and its deep roots prevent the tree from being knocked over. As believers, we are like these trees. We can root ourselves in the truth of God's word, which keeps us from being moved or shaken - no matter how turbulent the circumstance. Rooted in Christ, our faith can withstand thoughts and emotions that try to stir up turmoil inside us. As a result, our hearts will begin to overflow with gratitude.

A thankful heart is victorious. It resist fear and creates a contagious atmosphere of joyful hope and peace around us. So, the next time negativity tries to rush in and pour out of our mouths, we can stop it with a word of thankfulness. Gratitude can neutralize toxic thoughts, fill our hearts and minds with the powerful force of faith, and positively affect everyone around us. Written by Nelson Nwosu from Anambra, Nigeria.

Prayer: Dear God, help us stay rooted in your love, grounded in your word, and ever growing in gratitude and grace, in Jesus' name. Amen.