Read: 1 Peter 1:8-9
"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
There are so many unhappy
people in the world. They despise their job, disrespect their spouse, are
irritated with their children, want a better house and car and wish they could
go to some exotic island for vacation. They live vicariously through books and
movies, trading this figment of their imagination for reality. They are usually
so busy working to get more stuff that they do not have time to attend church
and to develop their spiritual life.
Sadly, some Christians often
fit into this category as well. We put our own pursuits above God’s directives.
We lay up more treasure for our earthly tabernacle than we do our heavenly one.
At other times, we are so involved with searching for God's will that we are
often frustrated when God seems silent on the topics we address with Him in
prayer. God’s will is simple. He wants us to be transformed into the image of
His Son (Romans 8:29). If we keep our mind on Him, He will keep us in perfect
peace (Isaiah 26:3). If we seek Him first, He will take care of every other
component in our life (Matthew 6:33).
When we live each moment of
the day in gratitude for what He already provided, He continues to abundantly supply
our needs for that day as well. No matter how desperate the circumstances are
in our life, He promises to work them out for our good (Romans 8:28) in His
timing and in His way. As we live our life with open communication with His
Spirit, He puts us in the right place, at the right time to give and to receive
a blessing.
Prayer:
Lord
Jesus, although Your love is too great to fully comprehend, let us experience
this love each day as we follow hard after You (Psalm 63:8). Let
us be made complete in You, with all the fullness of life and power that comes
from You (Ephesians 3:19). Give us Your
shield of victory and sustain us throughout the trials of this life with Your
mighty right hand (Psalm 18:35).
Thought for the Day:
Gladness and joy will
overtake us, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.- Isaiah 35:10