As Christians, our walk is often depicted as a journey filled with hurdles and bumps along the road. Imagine holding a glass filled to the brim with water. If someone were to bump into you, what will spill out? The answer is simple – whatever is inside. This analogy is remarkably applicable to our life experiences; when the world bumps us, what spills out reflects what we are filled with. Colossians 2:6–7 reminds us, “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.”
Paul encourages us to have a grateful heart, emphasizing that gratitude should overflow from us. The Greek word used for “abounding” here translates into “overflowing.” Therefore, as followers of Christ, our goal should be to allow gratitude to be the overflow when we are bumped by life’s challenges. A profound question arises: what do you overflow with—anger, doubt, fear, envy, or bitterness? Or do you overflow with faith, praise, gratitude, and hope for what’s to come?
When moments of conflict arise and we find ourselves responding negatively, it serves as a prompt to check what we truly have inside us. The harmful emotions of bitterness, resentment, jealousy, and anger can cloud our vision, but they don’t have to define us. Instead, let us trade these burdens for the goodness laid out in Galatians 5:22, which states that we can embody love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The beautiful truth is that we are not left to navigate these shifts alone; we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. This divine presence gives us hope and the grace of God allowing us to triumph over adversity, bringing a profound peace that surpasses our circumstances. Even when life does not go as planned, gratitude rooted in God’s unchanging nature shields our hearts from despair, allowing our perspective to remain steadfast and unyielding.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 teaches us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This call to gratitude is not merely for the favorable moments but an invitation to acknowledge God’s goodness in every situation we face. However, this overflow of gratitude needs intention; it requires us to stop and be purposeful about it.
When you find yourself caught in the cyclical trap of negativity or desire, I encourage you to take a moment to pause and redirect your focus. Consider listing three to five blessings in your life each day. Reflecting on these blessings will lend perspective and clarity, ultimately transforming your outlook. Gratitude sheds light on our blessings, and as we fixate on these gifts, we can begin to cultivate a heart marked by patience and joy.
To further encourage your heart in this pursuit, I invite you to read Psalm 103, which beckons us to worship, praising God for His everlasting goodness. As you meditate on these verses, may they foster thanksgiving in your heart that resonates throughout your actions and responses.
Finally, let us commit to being filled with gratitude amid life’s storms. When we carry the heart of God and witness to His grace and mercy, our overflow will naturally reflect His goodness, hope, and joy.
Pastor Tricia's Ramblings 
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