Scripture: Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
Thought for the Day: Yesterday, I preached on these words and talked about the need for us to practice joy. We do so, not to perfect it, but to make it possible. Joy, especially in times of difficulty, does not come easy. There is so much negativity in our world attempting to limit our perception of God, so we must be proactive in the practice of choosing joy. Joy begins with God and our recognition of God’s presence in our lives. It is the recognition that no matter what is happening in life, God is there. Joy is what happens in that recognition. As I challenged the congregation yesterday, be about the work of practicing joy each day. Begin with the prayer found below for the purpose of spiritual awareness. May it awaken our senses that we might better perceive God and rejoice in all situations and circumstances. Something will most definitely happen today that will attempt to block our recognition of God, but if we have been practicing, we are more likely to keep our eye upon God no matter what comes our way…and with God in our sight, joy is what will know and joyful is what we will be.
Prayer: Lord, attune my spirit to your presence. Help me to choose the Joy that comes from your eternal and loving presence. Amen.
