Colossians, one of Paul’s prison letters, has been labeled the “most thankful” book of the Bible; seven verses in its four short chapters reference thanks, thankfulness, and thanksgiving. Chapter three is specific encouragement about being heavenly-minded while we live out the days God has given us in this trouble-filled world.
In the midst of a list of encouragements for right living, Paul writes this succinct but profound sentence,
“And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15b). Not an afterthought, thankful is a highlighted virtue among the rest. Paul doesn’t put conditions on this; it’s not “be thankful when…” He doesn’t list qualifiers; it’s not “be thankful if…”
Parenting children with extraordinary needs is extraordinarily hard.. The routines that become our “normal” can move our focus away from the things above to immediate needs. The things that used to bring us comfort have been replaced by challenges, and we may question when we’ll be able to sneak in moments of comfort and rest again.
Martin Luther wrote, “Therefore, he often withdraws from us the comfort of visible things, in order that the comfort of the Scriptures may find room and opportunity within us, and not remain standing uselessly in the bare letter without exercise.” *
When “the comfort of visible things” has been removed from our lives, be it temporarily or permanently, we tend to focus on what we’re missing or have lost. Luther’s encouragement draws our focus to Scripture, where we find the One who creates and sustains our faith (Hebrews 12:2). It is through life’s challenges that enduring hope (1 Peter 1:3), peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7), and deeply-rooted joy (Nehemiah 8:10) “find room and opportunity within us” to live out our faith.
The apostle Paul reminded the church, “... because you were raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1-3 EHV).
Paul could write this during his imprisonment because the reality of his identity in Christ superseded his situation as a prisoner for the Gospel. Paul knew hope, peace, and joy because of the blessings God supplied in, through, and around him. God does the same for us. The hope, peace, and joy we experience here are only a foretaste of what we will know in eternity, where there is no pain, death, or tears (Revelation 21:4). We have so much to be thankful for! It eclipses emotions. It surpasses circumstances. It overshadows every obstacle. So, we can give thanks, even in the midst of the hard, because of all the physical and spiritual blessings he has given us!
Lord, you have hidden my life in Christ, and I put my hope in your Word (Psalm 119:114). For this, I can be eternally grateful. Amen.
* Quote from Nebe, August, Luther As Spiritual Advisor, 1894. Source: Dr. Kellemen, Bob, “RPM Ministries,“ rpmministries.org/2017/06/15-martin-luther-quotes-looking-life-lens-cross/, published 6/19/2017, accessed 10/20/2025.
By Rebeckah Ellinghuysen, MA