Faith and Gratitude
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
– Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)
On Day 68, we come to a powerful intersection of two key spiritual principles of this challenge which are FAITH and GRATITUDE.
The apostle Paul’s words to the Colossians remind us that faith is not a one-time act, but a continuous journey.
To “live our lives in Him” requires more than occasional interaction with Jesus.
It means being rooted in Jesus Christ, and allowing our faith to grow deeper each day. As our faith strengthens, so too does our gratitude.
Faith, at its core, is trusting in God’s promises and goodness, even when the world around us seems uncertain.
It’s the confidence that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do.
On this Faith journey we’ve developed a genuine Faith towards God, and that unwavering Faith always leads to an overflowing heart of gratitude.
This gratitude is not dependent on our circumstances, but on the consistent goodness of God.
In times of a trial, faith compels us to trust that God is working all things together for our good.
And in times of blessing, faith leads us to recognize that every good gift comes from above, stirring up a heart of thankfulness. Gratitude in faith acknowledges that we are not self-sufficient; we are recipients of God’s grace.
3 points of emphasis for this 68th day of 75 days in Faith…
1. Faith is a Daily Commitment: It’s not enough to believe in God once and then move on with life. Our relationship with Him deepens as we continually turn to Him, trust in His word, and follow His lead each day. 2. Gratitude is the Fruit of Faith: True faith produces a thankful heart. As we trust God more, we naturally become more aware of His goodness and are filled with gratitude for His presence in our lives. 3. Gratitude Anchors Us in God’s Faithfulness: When we focus on what God has already done, we are reminded of His unchanging nature. This foundation of thankfulness helps us face both the highs and lows of life with confidence.
Prayer:
Lord, I thank You for the gift of faith that You’ve planted in my heart. Help me to live each day rooted in You, trusting in Your promises, and seeking to grow in Your truth. Bless my faith to overflow into a life of gratitude, (no matter my circumstances).
I am thankful for Your constant presence, Your boundless grace, and Your unchanging love. Teach me to always recognize Your goodness in my life, and let gratitude be the fruit of my faith.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Today’s homework…
Today, take a moment to reflect on areas in your life where you can grow in gratitude. Write down three specific things you are thankful for, and thank God for them in prayer. As you do, let your heart be reminded of His faithfulness.
We’ve come this far by Faith