The Joy of the Lord

Is it really possible to be happy all of the time? It is my experience that the answer is "No." However, it is possible to rejoice in the Lord always and to maintain a positive attitude (Philippians 4:4,8).

The key words here are "in the Lord." God makes everything right, no matter how jaded or off kilter they are. Through the lens of eternity, with a spiritual mind and in the presence of God, we see everything differently.

We enjoy a Heavenly focus and can truly rejoice regardless of our negative circumstances. Even when all odds are against us and there is nothing positive to rejoice over, we know that everything will work out for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 29:11).

When we feel anxiety rise up in our soul, we can immediately take it to the Lord in prayer, giving thanks for what He has already provided and knowing that His blessings are just around the corner (Philippians 4:5-6).

God's peace guides us through the troubled waters and rocky mountain paths, making our ways straight (Philippians 4:7; Psalm 27:11). Even when the circumstances make no human sense, God floods us with His peace.

We struggle with feelings for which we are responsible. We worry for our well-being and that of our children and family. The truth, however, is that God will take responsibility to provide us with all of our needs (Philippians 4:19).

He gives us wisdom on what to do each moment of the day and he guides us through uncharted waters and tumultuous seas to the safe harbor of His love.

Prayer:

Father God, our light and temporary affliction on this earth cannot be compared to the glory, which You already prepared for us in Your glorious Kingdom (2 Corinthians 4:17). We stop attempting to keep our self safe, and we trust our self, our loved ones and our church family to Your safe-keeping.

We know without a doubt that You care about us, so we put our worries in Your capable hands. You equip us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We rejoice in our risen Savior and sit with Him at Your right hand even now (Hebrews 10:12).

Thought for the Day:

We trust in God's plan for our future and bathe all of our requests to Him with gratitude and joy.

Understanding Negative Emotions - Part 3

The power behind many negative emotions is unforgiveness. When we harbor anger toward someone, they retain power over us. When we forgive them, we put them in God’s capable hands to deal with as He sees fit (Romans 12:19; Deuteronomy 32:35). When we go one step further and do something kind and good for the one who harmed us, God uses it to convict their conscience, which often results in a restored relationship (Proverbs 25:22). 

It is the cross of Christ, and His example to us through His behavior on the cross that gives us the power to forgive (Luke 23:34). When we choose not to retaliate (Luke 6:27-34), we make a conscious choice to set that person free from their debt to us. Make a list of each person you cannot forgive and ask the Lord to help you to forgive them one by one. He will bring them to mind and teach you to refocus your thoughts and attitude about each one.

As you pray for them (Matthew 5:44), God changes your heart about the person. He may even give you compassion for the person, when you discover the reasons the person acted toward you as they did. It does not excuse the pain they inflicted on you, but it allows God to convict them and to release you from the effects of bitterness on your life (Hebrews 12:15). Freedom floods your soul and gives you joy that transcends all human reasoning (1 Peter 1:8).

Bitterness prevents us from growing into spiritual maturity; yet forgiveness paves the way for spiritual growth and development. When we realize that someone else has unforgiveness toward us for some word or event that involved us, God calls us to go to them and apologize for our behavior (Matthew 5:23-26). Even if they choose not to forgive us, we have cleared our conscience before the Lord. Now, they are in God’s hands and He will bless us for our efforts to obey His Word (Matthew 6:12).

Prayer:

Father God, thank You for accepting us into the circle of Your beloved family (Ephesians 1:6). Help us to accept those who hurt us, not necessarily as friends, but as people we forgive. You do not release them from the guilt of their behavior until they repent, but we free our self from the bondage, which unforgiveness brings into our life. We readily forgive everyone who used us, abused us, hated us or annoyed us. Help us to love everyone unconditionally and please bring us the freedom that You provide through forgiveness.

Thought for the Day:

Forgive easily and reap the blessings of God.