Choose Joy

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I love this piece of scripture from the book of Thessalonians where Paul is telling the new believers what God’s will for their life was to look like. I think in my life I have experienced situations that caused me a lot of joy, but also a lot of pain. It’s interesting how Paul says to never stop praying, which I take it as an attitude or a lifestyle of prayer that one should have, but what does this really look like? To me that looks like praying for joy, peace, unity, love, patience, strength, and for God to continue to work His goodness into all areas of my life. The last part of this scripture says to be thankful in all circumstances… practicing that attitude of gratitude can be a tough one! But definitely a necessity if we are to be happy and to enjoy our lives. There is even scientific evidence that people who are optimistic and grateful are healthier. So my point is no matter what we are facing today, we can rest, relax, do our best, and trust that God has everything under control. My prayer for you is that you choose joy! Have a blessed day and week.