1 Thessalonians 5:16
Sometimes we are hit hard by life's circumstances. Perhaps everywhere we turn we face problems - physical, emotional, spiritual, etc. The list could go on and on with our troubles and woes. Sometimes we are in a season where things aren't going the way we desire. We may feel out of control. Nothing we do makes the situation better. Life seems overwhelming.
I've been facing a similar scenario where I've been hit with many difficult things at the same time. I have to admit, that it's easy to wallow in the pain and hurt and not move any further. The desire to go back to bed and throw the covers over my head and pretend that things will be better when I awaken is often present.
But this verse in the Bible encourages me to do otherwise. The section of scripture says: Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Nowhere does it say anything about staying focused on the hard things in our life. Instead we are to rejoice, pray, and give thanks, even when we don't feel like it. Our rejoicing is not based on our circumstances, instead it's based on our Lord Jesus Christ and what He has done for us on the cross. Rejoicing is an active choice and decision.
How are you choosing to rejoice today?
Such a great reminder! I'm also dealing with stressful issues, but must rely on God to work out the plan He has for me through it all. Thanks for the push.
ReplyDeletePraying for you... it's tough, I know. It's so much easier for me to rejoice after the troubles when I see how God worked.
ReplyDeleteThanks for praying, Tom. We definitely need them right now.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, praying for your stressful issues. Thanks for stopping by today.
ReplyDeleteI'm rejoicing today that my son wasn't hurt when he slid on a slippery road with his moped in traffic. God is so amazing and Good. A teacher who knows him was right behind him and saw the whole thing. I wasn't able to go to him because I was in another town volunteering for a good cause. We can rejoice that God is always up to something good! He really is! And we can trust Him. Great post!
ReplyDeleteRejoicing with you Karla for God's provision for your son. :)
ReplyDelete"Our rejoicing is not based on our circumstances, instead it's based on our Lord Jesus Christ and what He has done for us on the cross. Rejoicing is an active choice and decision."
ReplyDeleteYou are so right!!
Thanks so much for sharing this today. Rejoice!
ReplyDeleteGod give us so much to rejoice over. You're so right. We just need to choose to focus on Him. Great post.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. God's provisions and promises always give us reason to rejoice. And the choice to do so lies within our reach. Great post.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Patty, He is the reason we rejoice.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Jackie.
ReplyDeleteThat's the key, isn't it Nancy... we need to choose to rejoice.
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