One of the most commonly asked questions I've heard since I've been a Christian is, "What is God's will for my life?" We've probably ALL asked that question at some point in our journey as to the direction God wants us to take but have we ever thought of that question as it would relate to our lives everyday in a "practical" way?
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (I. Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Paul tells us of three area's where we should know the will of God in our lives in a practical everyday situation.
1) Be joyful always!
We are to be the most joyful people on the planet as Christians. Paul tells us to be joyful when? Sometimes? No! Always! There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is based on circumstances while joy comes from within regardless of circumstances. So in the wealthiest country in the world why are so many depressed? The Bible tells us to "set our hearts on things ABOVE not on earthly things." When we lose sight of what really matters and we begin to place our hearts on things of the earth we become disillustioned. When we lose those earthly things or don't obtain those earlthy things we therefore become depressed. The Bible says the "joy of the Lord is our strength." Where does our joy come from? The Lord! Where does our strength come from? Joy! Satan knows if he can steal our joy then he can weaken our strength!
2) Pray continually
Paul lets us know we need to always be in a "spirit of prayer." So many things have taken priority over prayer these days. Instead of waking up on Sunday mornings on our face for the lost souls that will be in service so many times we spend hours in front of the mirror making sure WE will look okay for everyone that day. The time we spend in front of the T.V. (I'm talking to myself) could be well spent on our knees talking to God. Jesus told his disciples (when his time was drawing close) to "watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." They didn't "watch and pray" so therefore when the time of testing came "they all fell away." Next time you are tempted to complain in a situation, don't! Pray!
3) Give thanks in all circumstances
This may be one of the most difficult things to do. How can you give thanks in a circumstance that is so very difficult to go through? It's tough, but it is God's will for us to give thanks in ALL circumstances, not just some. We know that God will work "all things together for the good." Next time you find yourself in a difficult circumstance ready to question God lift your hands to heaven and say, "God I don't understand why this is happening but I THANK YOU that you are in control of my life and you are working out something in me through all this!"
5 comments:
Beck,
Another great post. The portion on prayer really spoke to me and confirmed some stuff for me. We are beginning a series on prayer in Life U starting next Wednesday. I am dedicating the month of May as a "month of prayer" at Life Church. We will have some extra prayer meetings and do some fasting during the month. Keep writing because you do have a message to get out through writing.
Joel
Hey Beck!
Thats exactly what I needed to hear today. God really spoke to me through that, keep writing!!! Your awesome, and I love you and Jodi so much!
Hannah
Amen! That is so true and very timely considering all the is happening right now! If we will just praise God and realize that everything is out of our control but not out of His, we would be able to relax. It's hard sometimes to realize that when we are in our flesh but when we walk around in the spirit, we are able to give it all to God!! Good post! By the way, I have all of your journals saved so you can make a book! :)
I thought this was a great message from My Utmost for His Highest.
Be ready for the sudden surprise visits of God. A ready person never needs to get ready— he is ready. Think of the time we waste trying to get ready once God has called! The burning bush is a symbol of everything that surrounds the person who is ready, and it is on fire with the presence of God Himself.
How true is that? It's like the message that Kevin preached during x24. If we have the full armor of God on at all times, we will be ready for anything. The attacks of the enemy and also we will be walking by the spirit of God ready for ANYTHING!
How do I make one of these?
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