We have experienced many unprecedented challenges in 2020! As Christians, we have been given God’s grace and numerous opportunities to grow and press forward in faith! In our humanness, we are easily pulled into fear and all the negative emotions attached to the unknown!
First, the Logos tells us to “be happy {in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually(always).” Through the ups and downs of life, the zenith of Christian maturity is to walk in Love, Joy, Peace, Truth, and faith. As God-lovers we are all a work in progress, at different spiritual levels, and by the power of our helper, the Holy Spirit, we are being transformed into our Father’s likeness-step by step!
Secondly, the Logos tells us to “be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly].” When we personally perceive that prayer is our vital need, we will gradually change our outlook and receive healing to our soul. As we pray through the fear and negatives, it gives the Lord Yahweh heart space to pour His gracious, positive, gentleness, kindness, patience, goodness, peace, joy, love and faith into our souls. Therefore, prayer changes us!
Lastly, the Logos tells us to “Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will.]” God is at work in our lives and fighting for Truth and Justice! He hears the cries of His people! We can trust Him through the hard and difficult! He sees the whole picture and is working out our destiny for His glory!
So, what is in your heart today? Many are struggling with life and not feeling “thanksgiving” at all? Well, if so, we can look at Psalm 50:14-15, “Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. And call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall honor and glorify Me.” When we offer thanksgiving, in spite of what we feel, it is a pleasing sacrifice accepted by God, as He desires to lift us up out of the negative and low mood we are experiencing. Many times, when we offer the sacrifice of praise to God in a song, it will bring us back to focusing on His goodness and the Spirit will lift us up-giving us the desire to pursue Him again! On the other hand, you may be feeling positive, because you know God will triumph! If so, we can look at Psalm 9:1-2, “I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth (recount and tell aloud) all your marvelous works and wonderful deeds! I will rejoice in You and be in high spirits; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High! So today, whatever is in your heart – if you are high or low- choose to praise and give thanks to Him, because “this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
1Thessalonians 5:16-18 amp.
