Later on this morning, I had to follow up on something information I received this weekend, and the news I received wasn't so great. It totally knocked the wind out of my sails. My mood changed, and I started feeling a bit low.
BUT!! - I remembered how beautifully my day began, and I resolved to keep it on that level. I was not going to let anything ruin my day. I resolved to get back to joy.
So, I had to remind myself of who I am in Christ. I had to remind myself that the Lord is the One who fights my battles. I prayed a prayer of faith and left my problem with the Lord.
This morning I'm reminded of Paul who taught himself to be content in all situations. He faced the ridicule of people... the pressure of starting and stabilizing new churches in immensely hostile environments... prison cells... physical beatings... loneliness... But Paul learned that no matter where he was, God was with him.
Paul didn't let his circumstances dictate his mood. Can you imagine what might have happened if Paul focused on what he was going through? We might not have half of the New Testament that we do! Because Paul was able to focus on the Lord and not on his situation, he was able to overcome adversity and leave a legacy that has greatly impacted the Body of Christ.
The Christ within is our strength. The joy that is found in the Lord gives us strength when we are weak. Today, don't allow what is going on around you to make you miss out on the ever-present joy of the Lord. Stay strong! Stay joyful! Remember who you are in Christ!
Verse of the Day: ...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:11b-13
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