Come Before the Lord With Thanksgiving!

Most of us who read Sarah Young's words in Jesus Calling want to be closer to our Lord. Many of her devotions are written around the idea of thankfulness and gratitude. I started searching the Bible for the use of the words: gratitude, thanks, and thankfulness. There are at least 100 references to the word thanks and dozens more with the other terms. No wonder we need to spend time giving praise and thanksgiving to our Lord! As we are reminded time and again, being thankful is one of the "keys" to begin growing spiritually.

I have copied a few more verses that are related to those in today's devotional. These are ones that have spoken so powerfully to me. I pray that you will share with me and other readers any scriptures that you use as reminders of being thankful.

Philippians 4:4-6: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 4:2: Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 3:15-16: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Please share other "thanksgiving" verses that are especially meaningful to you.