Rejoice
Meg
Hello friends,
I have many mixed things on my heart today. Can you pray for me? Mixed emotions are running through my heart, I don’t know quite what to say at the moment. Just the same, I’m rejoicing.
Why you may ask? Because yesterday at church I was reminded of the wonderful gift of joy. Our assistant pastor preached about true joy that can only come from God. This is the kind of joy that doesn’t depend on circumstances, but is there despite circumstances. It’s the kind of joy that doesn’t come from a church, a book, or a mate, but only from God.
Our assistant pastor referenced Philippians 4:4-7, which I’d like to share with you now:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (NIV).
I have such a tendency to worry about the future, about what might happen in this coming year. These verses remind me that God doesn’t want a life of anxiousness for us, but a life of peace and joy. I feel that this is something important for all of us to grasp, whether our husbands are nearby at the moment, or deployed overseas. God is our ultimate joy giver. Perhaps you’re a bit anxious like me today. Perhaps you’re tired and overworked. Perhaps you’ve let the business of life get to you, and you don’t know the last time you’ve slowed down enough to really enjoy God’s creation. If so, my encouragement for you today is to slow down, find a quiet spot to pray, and rejoice in our Lord and Savior.
With a joyful heart, whatever we face in the coming days will look entirely different.
I have many mixed things on my heart today. Can you pray for me? Mixed emotions are running through my heart, I don’t know quite what to say at the moment. Just the same, I’m rejoicing.
Why you may ask? Because yesterday at church I was reminded of the wonderful gift of joy. Our assistant pastor preached about true joy that can only come from God. This is the kind of joy that doesn’t depend on circumstances, but is there despite circumstances. It’s the kind of joy that doesn’t come from a church, a book, or a mate, but only from God.
Our assistant pastor referenced Philippians 4:4-7, which I’d like to share with you now:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (NIV).
I have such a tendency to worry about the future, about what might happen in this coming year. These verses remind me that God doesn’t want a life of anxiousness for us, but a life of peace and joy. I feel that this is something important for all of us to grasp, whether our husbands are nearby at the moment, or deployed overseas. God is our ultimate joy giver. Perhaps you’re a bit anxious like me today. Perhaps you’re tired and overworked. Perhaps you’ve let the business of life get to you, and you don’t know the last time you’ve slowed down enough to really enjoy God’s creation. If so, my encouragement for you today is to slow down, find a quiet spot to pray, and rejoice in our Lord and Savior.
With a joyful heart, whatever we face in the coming days will look entirely different.