Hello!  So, have you been rejoicing lately? To rejoice means to feel or show great   joy, happiness or delight; but to do that always? Sounds difficult or at the very least unreasonable. What have you been rejoicing about? A lot of people rejoice at sporting events (go Team!)  

  It’s easy to rejoice when one is looking forward to Blessings and the good things in life such as a Marriage, a Baby, a new House, a new job, a good health report, etc… but to rejoice always? Naturally, that’s a tough one.  Especially since life can be crazy, inconsistent-with unexpected surprises (usually bad ones)… so how does one rejoice during these times? As believers we are to maintain an inner joy rooted in God regardless of circumstances as God does no change in any circumstance. God will never lead us  a situation without giving us the Power to handle it,

  Scripture says we should pray continually and to give Thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for us. Praying means talking to God, being in communication with Him. It’s easy to pray and Thank God when the Blessings come because that makes us happy. But when the circumstances change to bad, sad or inconvenient-that’s really hard to do-even if it is God’s will for us to rejoice and pray. I will say that when the inevitable heartbreak, despair and even horrific circumstances occur, God is there waiting for us-with open arms. “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him from all his troubles.” (Psalm 34:6) One thing is for certain when tragedy strikes, it will either drive one towards God; or make one completely run from Him-same circumstances-different responses.

   Prayer is not most people’s immediate first thought-usually it is a reaction to their situation. When God says to rejoice always- that comes about with faith and practice. Whether we realize it or not, God is Omnipresent-meaning He is EVERYWHERE and He is Omniscient-meaning He KNOWS EVERYTHING.      Nothing is a secret or a surprise to God. That is probably why He encourages us to pray continually-so that we are always in communication with Him; especially when life takes a turn; or even when we just to want to commune with Him in peace. God does not abandon His own; Therefore, we are not to be left alone to face our struggles.

    “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”. This means we should express gratitude at all times (even the hard times) by doing so aligns God’s design for believers. His grace is there and works as a shield around us during tough times.  “The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:8)

  Please continue to join me as we grow together with a Renewed Heart.  Melody Elias