DEVOTIONAL
Psalm 5:11
’11 But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defendest them: let them also that love Thy Name be joyful in Thee.’
Romans 15:13
13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
How many times has your morning started out seemingly well, bread toasted perfectly, coffee is at that just right temperature… then something happens.. Perhaps you think or grumble,“Well, there goes my day! “ I am much more guilty of that than I even want to admit to myself, much less to ya’ll!
What if we make a commitment (or maybe just start out with the word “effort”), to try not allowing circumstances dictate our outlook. How do we project from the inside out, the joy the Lord gives? As one confessing belief in Christ, our actions and attitudes are considered by those around us, by both Believers and non-Christians.
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything
Skipping around, whistling “Oh Happy Day” isn’t what I mean. Maybe let’s just not have that scowl, furrowed brow from someone cutting us off in traffic on the way to work at 7:30, reflect in our behavior at 8, then lunch and still when it is time to go home!
Annoyances arise, but let’s deal with them and move on, shall we! (Preaching to the choir, by the way! I am not overly amused in the topic the Lord gave me today…He does have a fantastic sense of humor! My family will probably read this and ask “Really?”)
Nowhere do I read or understand that we have to be “happy” about someone nearly clipping our fender because they were answering a text! We are presented situations, good and bad and free will to choose HOW we act and react.
The enemy waits for any stray thread to loosen; From getting behind someone at the grocery store with 30 coupons in the 10 item or less line, a bad driver or an h our and a half waiting room stay with a sick child. Do we step into the snare of anger and frustration in those jaw-clenching, pulse-racing moments or call on the Name of Christ and bring every thought captive(2 Corinthians 10:5-6). Isn’t our behavior a materialized thought?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father
We know that whatever we face
You are there with us
Watching over us
Knowing we have free will
And our tendency to make a mess of things
We ask that You will tune our hearts to hear
The guidance You provide
Lord, Your Word says in James 1:5
If we ask for wisdom
You will freely and generously give it to us
We are asking, Father
Thank You for the blood of Jesus Christ
Shed so we can come before You
Through Whose Glorious Name we pray,
Amen
(2) SONGS
“Joy to the World”
“The Joy of the Lord Is My Strength”
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Peaceful rest and a joyous Thursday to you all, B
