Wow, this is unbelievable! We’ve devoted 100 pieces to Colossians and we’re not done yet. Colossians contains so many truths. You can see it is the divine Word. No human being could have done it. “Thank you for speaking, Father, and that we can still sit at your feet to learn from your Word 2 000 years later!”

Yes, that is what we have to do. We must fall to our knees and thank God for all that we receive from Him. We get used to all we have so easily that we think that is the way it must be. We must be able to get up every morning. We must have food. We must be healthy. But ask people who have lost all of this and you will realise that you’re 100% dependent on God’s grace.

We have one life. We don’t get another chance. When you fall ill and there is no cure, you can’t walk to the nearest dealer and trade in the old one for a new model. Have you ever thought about it like that? Just this one packet of life and nowhere you can buy another one.

When we then wake up in the morning and realise that God is giving us another chance, that He is still looking after us and ensuring that it all works, we can do nothing but fall on our knees and thank God for the grace that he continuously showers on us. Yes, everything, but everything, is grace alone.

And more than that – we don’t simply say thank you; we start living a life of gratitude. All that we do show how grateful we are to God. Even when we have to correct our friends, it is because we are grateful for what God has done for us. ^16-17… Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

This is one of the greatest truths that I ever understood in life. It was so hard for me to say thank you to God. I had too few words – you can only repeat the words thank you so many times, then it becomes boring. Then someone told me to read a Psalm when I wanted to praise and thank God for helping me along the path of life.

Wow! And David and the other psalmists put it so beautifully! Just listen to Psalm 138:

^1-3 Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!” Angels listen as I sing my thanks.
I kneel in worship facing your holy temple and say it again: “Thank you!”
Thank you for your love, thank you for your faithfulness; Most holy is your name, most holy is your Word. The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength. ^4-6 When they hear what you have to say, God, all earth’s kings will say “Thank you.” They’ll sing of what you’ve done: “How great the glory of God!” And here’s why: God, high above, sees far below; no matter the distance, he knows everything about us. ^7-8 When I walk into the thick of trouble, keep me alive in the angry turmoil. With one hand strike my foes, with your other hand save me. Finish what you started in me, God. Your love is eternal—don’t quit on me now.

Let’s open our Bibles at the Psalms more often. Let’s praise God’s Name out loud. Let’s tell our friends about our almighty God. He deserves to be praised. All glory to the most awesome God!

Scripture

Colossians 3:12-17

Reflection

Do you honor God enough?

How can you praise Him more?

How can you show your gratitude more?

Prayer

O God, my God. There is no one like You. Yes, You are the beginning and the end and without your breath inside me I am nothing more than a dust particle. You give life. You are the most Powerful and the Almighty. You keep me upright when the storms rage all around me. Without You, I hide under the bed and quake in my shoes at the smallest noise I hear. I will always hide by You. All glory to You, now, tomorrow, and until the end. Amen.