Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
What robs us of our joy? Pray without ceasing…does that mean we have to be on our knees or in church 24 hours a day?
These were two of the questions asked yesterday at church. As we celebrate that last two weeks of advent, these questions are worth pondering.
What DOES rob me of my joy? Is it worry? Is it complaining? Is it getting caught up in the “busyness” that goes with this season?
What about this “pray without ceasing” business? We can’t have our heads bowed and eyes closed ALL the time!
I loved the answer given…to pray without ceasing means to have a awareness of God in all things. An awareness of Him in everything we do, an appreciation, a sense of gratitude. Oh, how that hit home…He is all around us. Pray without ceasing is an ATTITUDE.
Guess what? When I get my ATTITUDE in the right spot, the JOY comes back. I don’t get caught up in the worry, the busyness, the complaining…no, I am focused on Him and all things look better. My sense of Him changes my viewpoint.
And I continue counting…
701. special message received this weekend.
702. tough times and working through them.
703. hot cocoa.
704. good coffee.
705. lessons I learned this week.
706. a break from work.
707. Christmas music.
708. feeling a little better.
709. accepting that which I cannot change.
710. Angie Smith’s What Women Fear.
Angie’s book was in my gift bag at The Relevant Conference I attended in October. It is one of the best books I have ever read. It speaks, with amazing accuracy straight. to. my. heart.
Today I am joining the Gratitude Community at Ann’s Place and the Hear it on Sunday group at Michelle’s.
I so often need the reminder to be joyful. I know that I can choose to be joyful regardless of the circumstances around me.
Hi Mary, I like how you explained the praying without ceasing and the connection it has to our joy. Visiting you via Michelle's blog hop.
I agree with you — praying without ceasing is knowing that His presence can and will pervade, that it never leaves us, and that He is but a breath away.
As I read this, God just brought something to mind that I had told Him about in a halfhearted way, but never asked Him to heal. Thank you for being a space where GOd could whisper His words to me.
So true that as we walk with Him throughout the joy just spills and fills! He is a delight! Blessings from Uganda!
This is my first time here, and I am glad I've visited. Yes! I must learn to pray without ceasing…to invite His presence everywhere I am.
I just finished a seminary class with an extensive reading list so I am just now reading Ann's book, which I picked up at Relevant '11. I think you've just convinced me what book will be next.
Mary,
Visiting from Hear it on Sunday and have become a follower.
It's true; God is always with us. And is just a thought or word away. We wouldn't keep silent if our spouse was right next to us all day. Our thoughts and conversations would include them the whole time.
Thanks for writing, and I look forward to reading more!
Manifest Blog
Mary – The first line – "What robs our job?" I had to stop and read it three times. Feel like a lot of joy has been robbed lately. Attitude – sliding into a pit, focused on the disappointment instead of looking up and fixing my gaze on Jesus face. Focus on Him. Thanks for this – I am blessed.
Exactly what I need to hear, Mary: gratitude in ALL things. I know you know how hard this is. But all things are possible with God, yes?
Hi Mary,
God has something to say to me the minute I start my day, and when I listen, I am aware and thankful for what He created throughout my day. I know that when I follow His direction, He will bless me with joy, peace, rest, and wonderful relationships! 🙂
Blessings and hugs,
Denise
Thanks for the reminder on 'joy'. I did a word study on 'joy' some time back. I do love the simple things in life. Thanks for taking me back where I belong. 🙂
Can I admit to you that I haven't read Angie's book, yet? I keep hearing wonderful things about it, and what you've written here reminds me of something Chuck Swindoll said years ago. Thanks for the reminder.
http://thinkexist.com/quotes/charles_r._swindoll/