Oh Joy!

Lately I've been reading in 1 Thessalonians, and Paul talks about the way in which we should conduct ourselves, and as he ends his letter, he says this: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." --1 Thess 5:16-18

I got to thinking...that when bad things happen, my first reaction is not to be joyful. I don't often feel like giving thanks when things don't go the way I wanted or a problem comes or I'm having a bad day. To be honest, I feel like saying "God?! Where are you? Why is this happening to me? This isn't fair..!!"

But then I think about all of the areas in my life where God has blessed me, the times he's given me strength when it felt as though I had none left, blessing after blessing he's poured into my life. God gives me so much everyday..and I realize I hardly remember to stop and say 'Thank you' sometimes. 

When things don't go our way or we face tough times, disappointments and problems, take a moment to say "thank you. thank you for blessing me as you do..and even though things are hard, I'm going to be thankful in all circumstances and know that you are God. You're in control, you love me, and you have my best interest at heart." I think by paying more attention to thanking and praising God, and less of a focus on our problems we can become 'joyful always'. 

Can we choose to be joyful today? Regardless of our circumstances..this is God's will for our lives. You are blessed, friend!

Have a wonderful, joy-filled day!
-Candice

6 comments

Maryl said...

Wow! Thank you for these encouraging words. We all have so
much to be thankful for.

nicole said...

i really, REALLY needed this today. sweet girl, you always know what to say. bookmarking this passage in my bible tonight :)

Bev said...

I can't agree with you more. There are different ways we can react to the bad situations we come across in life. But it's the choices we have that can completely turn that situation around. We can choose to be joyous and thankful with the blessings in life rather than be angry or saddened at the downs in life!

Thanks for sharing these words of encouragement my friend!

Anonymous said...

amen. I think it's not normal to be joyful on a bad day. We're humans after all

Anonymous said...

What an eloquent reminder of something so often overlooked and under appreciated... Thank you for helping me find joy today Candice!

Julia D. said...

Such a powerful reminder.

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