Colossians 3 tells us let (allow) the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts and to be thankful. These are matters of choice. Faith is active and as we each work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) may we also be thankful in all things. There are at least 133 scriptures containing the mandate to give thanks. At this time of the American Thanksgiving holiday may we each remember we have so much to be thankful for and that choosing thanks-living is just that, a matter of choice, a matter of setting our hearts and minds on things above (Colossians 3:1-2).
1 Chronicles 16:34 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
Psalm 50:14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving...
Colossians 3:15..let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Philippians 2:12- 13 AMP.... continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ]. 13 For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.
