I just finished a study of 1 Thessalonians with the wonderful ladies that I work with. To be honest I really haven't spent much time in this book of the bible but let me tell you it's full of some great and challenging words. Through this study I have really be doing a lot of thinking and evaluating which has been really good for me. During the last session we discussed verses 5:12-28. Verse 16 I know I have read and heard many times before but I just love it and man what a great reminder. "Be joyful always" and it goes on into verse 17 saying "pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. I have really been focusing on "Be joyful always". I think gosh how can I be joyful all the time and then I think would I then come across as one of those people that can sometimes drive you crazy because they are always so happy? On the other side of that when people are always joyful do you ever wonder what they are so happy about? I think I might like for someone to ask me that. Though I know the hard times will come and go but I hope that through them I am able to always see the joys I have in him and not just sit and dwell on what is going on at that moment. My prayer for the past few days is that I forget about the fears, struggles, and plans that I have tried to make for my life and just be happy about all the great things God is doing (his plan).
Our leader shared this quote (I guess you can say) with us that she got from Encouragement for Today and I love it.
"When we take our eyes off our fears, our doubts, our struggles and focus on someone else's needs, we somehow forget our own, for a little while. In believing the power of God's promises for others, our confidence in His promises for us seems to grow as well. And that my friend is the power of encouraging words!
I hope that through the joys in my own life I am encouraging others along the way before thinking of the fears I may have and trusting God with the promises he has for my life.
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