Inspire: If You Want Joy…

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.” 1Thessalonians 5:23

Rejoice evermore…

Pray without ceasing…

In everything give thanks…

–When the house needs cleaning.

–When the bills need paying.

–When the kids are incorrigible.

–When the spouse won’t listen.

–When the boss is stubborn.

–When the plans don’t happen.

–When…

Seems so odd to do this. Seems so counterintuitive to everything we want to do.

But…

God knows what happens when we do.

God knows what we get when we do.

God knows why we should when we do.

For when we choose to rejoice and pray and give thanks in ALL of our circumstances, even if it is the most mundane or futile or even difficult work and events, we receive what God wants to give…Joy.

Joy will always follow thankfulness—always.

Whatever you face today, whatever may be dragging you down set your hearts differently.

Look for the small things to give thanks for.

Look for the small things to pray for.

Look for the small things to rejoice for.

Because when you do, your heart gets set not on the circumstances but on Christ the Savior. And when that happens, Joy can’t help but follow.

Study References: 1Thessalonians 5:16-18, John 17:13, Romans 8:28, Philippians 4:4, Romans 5:3-5