The importance of faith in the life of a Christian can never be overemphasized. The Christian life from the beginning to the end is based on faith. Faith is the way we come into relationship with God through Jesus Christ and it is also the way we are to continue living till eternity. It is by faith we receive all things from God and the only way to please God (Heb. 11: 6).

However, faith is a thing of the heart. The heart is conditioned by the daily positive or negative inputs received from happenings in the physical and spirit realms. Meanwhile, the believer lives in a broken world under the rulership of Satan where there are so many external unpalatable satanic attacks, wickedness, life’s challenges and other negative happenings. All these hese unpalatable happenings and negative things can easily make the heart sorrowful, bitter, weak, hopeless, depressed, panicky, afraid, confused, discouraged. fearful, worried and anxious. All these unsettles the heart and are capable of shaking and destabilizing one's faith. One very obvious thing the attitudes of the Israelites revealed while in the wilderness was their inability to remain steadfast in their faith in God; one moment they are singing praises of God because of His goodness and wonders the next moment they are murmuring, complaining and rebelling against God because of unpleasant experiences and they displeased God. It is very important that believers are settled in our conviction, steadfast in faith and remain unmovable no matter what happens (1 Cor. 15:58).

Steadfast and unshaken faith in Jesus Christ and a good conscience at all times in everything is very vital in our walk because it is only by doing so that we will not make shipwreck of our faith as Apostle Paul charged 1 Timothy 1:19. Therefore, as one has come to God through faith in Jesus Christ, it is important one holds steadfastly to him in faith without wavering so that one will not be tossed back and forth and blown here and there with every wind of doctrine by men and storms of life (Eph. 4:14). Thereby, we are charged “ As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him; rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2; 6-7)

The above quotation reveals abounding in thanksgiving unto Jesus is a means of being rooted, built up in Him, and stabilized in faith. To abound in thanksgiving implies not just giving thanks to God sparingly or scantly but plentifully and abundantly as these other charges on thanksgiving reveal. “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20).
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the father by him” — (Colossians 3;15-17).
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6).

Gratitude to God by ceaselessly offering thanksgiving to Him in everything and for all things is one thing that steadies our faith God in this earth full of troubles and sorrows. Gratitude to God for all He did for us through Jesus Christ’s life, sufferings, death resurrection, victory helps to be God-conscious at all times and in case trouble comes our way thanksgiving keeps our focus on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith instead of on the problem. Being grateful for the victories of Jesus Christ our Lord helps one to stay in faith and rise above the negative emotions that lead to hopelessness. Gratitude lifts up burdens, uplifts us and encourages our heart.
Thanksgiving brings confidence into our spirit and a deep unshaken faith. Giving of thanks genuinely to God makes the heart to be fixated on God and this in turn makes it undivided, secure, steadfast and joyful. Gratitude in the face of life storms keeps the heart at rest, peace, joyful, healthy, hopeful and strong.

Try giving thanks to God always henceforth and see how your faith will become firm and steadfast.
GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.
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