Giving Thanks to God with Joy

joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Colossians 1:12

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Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation Habakkuk 3:17-18

The key to abundant life, even in the midst of difficulty, is the offering of praise, joy, and thanksgiving to God.

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

I deserve …

Where does this joy come from? How is it released?

His position? His posture? His perspective? Hebrews 12:2

Joy is more than a feeling and more than an attitude. Joy is an action towards God’s purposes.

seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3

You make known to me the path of life;     you will fill me with joy in your presence,     with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11

PUT OFF AND PUT ON How to have joy

in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Ephesians 4:22-24

Anger Worry/anxiety Gossip Fear Stress Complaining Critical spirit Put off and put on

CHOOSE TO SPIRAL UP How to have joy

Perks of the grateful, thankful, joyful believer