God's Will For You...

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

1. Joy is eternal and from God.  We don't have to be happy (happiness happens) about what is going on but we can find joy in knowing that God is who He says He is. He promises us that He will take care of us.  We must cling to His promises!

2.  Pray!  Pray!  Pray!  God does not desire for us to be silent in our relationship with Him!  We are to call upon Him in trouble, in sacrifice, in peace, in good times and bad, when we are right with Him and when we have fallen back into our pit!  God says, "Call to me and I will answer you..."  Tell Him when you are angry and disappointed (He can handle it)!  Give Him your questions and doubts (He can handle it)!  Praise Him when all is right (it teaches us and will help us remember when things are wrong)!  

3. Practice thankfulness.  Everyday find something (or 5 or 10) that you are thankful for.  There may be some days when you have to search for that one thing, but it is there.  And if you can't find one thing on this earth to thank God for, praise Him for who He is.  Turn the focus off of you and back on to God.  Thank you God for being who You say You will always be.

4.  God's will is for you to live in a relationship with Christ.  Relationship: a connection or involvement; connection between persons by blood.  Jesus established that relationship with you when His blood covered every part of who you are.  He is involved in every aspect of your life (whether you choose to accept that or not) and He has connected Himself to you through your baptism.  You are His.  This is His will.

May the God of grace shower you with His love, may Christ Jesus remind you of the forgiveness you have through His redeeming blood and may the Holy Spirit cause you to sigh in wonder at the joy at God is about to do!