Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I have the hardest time with these words. Rejoicing is easy when things are easy. The problem I have is rejoicing when things are difficult. I have to admit my difficulties are nothing compared to what some people are going through. The things that challenge me are a mean word, or a mean look. I know it comes with having teenagers, but it still pushes me to the edge. I suppose my behavior must frustrate God, but He never gives up on me. I must continue to try and rejoice.
Pray continually is a little but easier. As I have gotten older I find myself praying off and on throughout the day. Someone comes to mind, pray for them. Someone is mean to my kid, pray for them. I have to admit it usually takes me a moment or two to refocus from frustration to praying!!! Rock the baby who won't go to sleep, pray for them. Pray, pray, pray!
Give thanks in all circumstances, again is easy when things are easy and hard when things are hard. I have so much to be thankful for and yet those little annoyances get me off track. Pick up the cotton balls and nail polish remover again. Wash the dishes used to bake brownies again. Call, no answer again. Little things. Dumb things.
Lord, help me to focus on You. All the time. Help the mean words and looks to bounce off of me. Help my prayers to be sincere. Help me to remember all I have to be thankful for. Help my heart to be overflowing with love even when I get frustrated. In Jesus name I pray.
Amen
Thank you for this post, Beth. Frustrating, indeed. I, too have been there, wondering and waiting ....will they ever get it? And yes, it's those small things, that rub us the wrong way the most. Staying focused on God and how He expects us to react is certainly the key. Thank you for always sharing an inspiring word.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement Carol. God is so good and my momentary lapses cause me to forget that! Rejoice,
ReplyDeletePray, Give Thanks - Always, Continually, In All Circumstances!!!
God bless you!