So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

Colossians 2:6-7
There are hundreds of books and articles promising a path to happiness. Some writers say that thankfulness is the key. Not a bad principle. It’s biblical, after all. And we do have much to be thankful for. But where does true, lasting happiness come from?
Like many secular authors, many of us have missed the point. Thankfulness that is rooted in Jesus alone leads to real and enduring happiness. Without knowing toward whom your gratitude is directed, you will only find yourself frustrated and aimless in life. It’s a great idea to be a thankful person, but until that gratitude is rooted in Christ, it falls flat.
We may hold fast to a “glass is half full” mentality. Sometimes, however, the glass is just plain empty, licked dry by cancer or homelessness or depression. Remember that God “has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing” (Ephesians 1:3) in Jesus. When you know this to be true, you will always find reasons to be thankful to God. And that’s gratitude which leads to true and forever happiness.



Scripture Focus

Colossians 1:15-23

Insight

“Jesus + Nothing = Everything” (Tullian Tchividjian, 2011)

Bible In A Year

  • 2 Samuel 20-21
  • Psalm 146
  • 1 Timothy 1-2

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