Rejoicing is not a natural response to hard times (James 1:2).
We usually wallow in self-pity and complain to anyone who will listen.
Rejoicing in spite of the circumstances takes a supernatural focus (1 Thessalonians
5:18).
Problems with our family, finances and friendships overwhelm us all
at times. We are either just coming out of a trial, experiencing one right now,
or about to go into one.
Life is never easy; if something can go wrong, it usually will. Satan delights in throwing up roadblocks in our way. He wanders the earth, looking for someone to devour; and then he gets permission from God to torment us (Job).
However, when we change our focus from the earthly to the
spiritual, we realize that Christ in us is always greater than Satan and his
demons who occupy this world (1 John 4:4).
This lowers our anxiety levels and reduces our irritation and
the trauma of our trials. Rejoicing through life allows us to more easily surrender
to God's will and His solutions for our issues.
Rejoicing comes from a heart full of thanksgiving and praise to
God for all He already did for us and for what we know He will continue to do
for us.
As Paul rejoiced while in prison, we too can rejoice in our
restricting circumstances (Act 16:25). God provides supernaturally once we
relinquish our cares to Him (1 Peter 5:6-7). We pray, expecting Him to intervene
in our negative situation.
He simply requires that we trust His timing and methods, and
that we relinquish our specific expectations and accept His will for us.
Prayer:
Father God, teach us to rely on Your promises and to have faith
in Your faithfulness. You provide us with an abundant life now as well as in
eternity. You fill us with Your fruit and teach us to live in peace and joy
regardless of our circumstances. Remind us to rely on You with all of our
heart, soul, mind and strength.
There is no way we can save our self. We must rely totally on
Your goodness and ways for salvation, sanctification and our daily provision
(Hebrews 6:1, 9:14). Remind us that You do not delight in sacrifices or
religious acts of service; but prefer that we walk in the center of Your will,
guided by Your Holy Spirit.
Thought for the Day:
God asks us to believe in, trust in and rely on Him alone; and
when we do, our life changes for the better.
