As Christians, we must CHOOSE to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in ALL circumstances.

We Christians alone have the option of rejoicing when things look bleak, of praying when we feel alone, and of giving thanks when things don’t go our way. That’s because we know this world isn’t all there is. There is a good God who watches over us and guides all things for our good – even those things that are seemingly bad. (Romans 8:28)

Last week, I meditated on 1 Thess. 5:16which says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.” Right then and there, I decided I will choose to rejoice, pray, and give thanks no matter the circumstances. Then on Friday, Janet calls me saying that she ruptured her achilles. I picked her up and took her to the emergency room. And while doing so, I remembered the words I meditated upon and I CHOSE to rejoice, pray, and give thanks rather than be complaining, pondering, or bemoaning the fact.

I rejoiced in the fact that God allowed me to meditate upon that verse and readied my heart before it happened.

I prayed that God will work this out for our good.

And I gave thanks in that it wasn’t worse and we are a two parent family where the kids will still be taken care of, and I have a church family that will care and pray for us.

I almost feel sheepish in sharing this because there are those of you who are going through far more difficulty circumstances than what my family is facing. And yet I want to remind you and myself, let’s choose to rejoice, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances.

Life is short. Soon, we will be with the Lord. We will have trouble in this world. But let’s look to the Lord, for He is good!

PH