As we head into the season of Thanksgiving, our focus this month will be on having a heart of gratitude. This first devotion asks us what songs are played in our heart:

IN WORD The redeemed heart of the new creation has a song in it. It doesn’t matter if the possessor is naturally musical or not. The Spirit of the new birth puts a divine melody in the heart that is right with Him. The song is a song of gratitude and worship, and it always overflows. Always.
That sounds beautiful, but it’s not the experience of many Christians. We get just as burdened as the unredeemed because we still live in the same world. We make the natural mistake of letting our circumstances and our fears dictate our contentment, and soon we are just as unsettled as those around us.
We have forgotten a vital principle: joy comes from above and within, not outside and around. That’s why Colossians 3:16 says to let the word of Christ richly dwell within us—because within us is where joy and peace are to reside. If the Word of Christ rules within, circumstances remain without, where they can do no internal harm. If the Word of Christ does not dwell within, however, there’s a vacuum in our hearts that circumstances will quickly fill. Fear and worry love seeing a void in our lives and will never leave it alone. The only way to live above them is to fill the void with something else: the Word of Christ.
IN DEED How do we let the Word of Christ dwell richly within us? We meditate on it, memorize it, sleep on it, refresh ourselves with it, crave it, and absorb it. We become consumed with truth because we’re in love with the Spirit of truth. We recognize that the source of life is wisdom from above, and the Father who gives it always gives generously. If you find yourself frequently disturbed or discontent, there’s a solution. Don’t let disturbances and discontent dwell within you. Replace them with something infinitely more worthwhile—and reliable. Replace them with the Word of Christ. It will put a song in your heart. “Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies.” -- Charles Jefferson (in “God with Us” by Chris Tiegreen)

Do you have a song of thanksgiving in your heart? Take time to meditate and reflect on Psalm 118 this week. Do note the reference to Jesus in the psalm and give thanks for God’s greatest gift to us in His Son. Have a blessed week! – from Singapore, Pastor Sam