Is Your Life a Joyless Burden?

Grace and peace to you,

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Some days don't you just wish God would hit the big red "easy" button in your heart and make you happy and joyful all the time without having to fight for it so hard? Do you sometimes feel as though your life has become a JOYLESS BURDEN? Well I have great news then because the Word of God makes it sound almost that simple.

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"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1Thess5:16-18

What follows is an imaginary conversation between the Apostle Paul and I.

"Now don't go to fast or your going to miss this Teagan. Here's my premise, A life of JOY comes through Constant Praying from an Attitude of Thankfulness. Notice I said to 'REJOICE all the time." "Ya OK Paul that's nice but how do I do that amidst all the stress I have to deal with in this life?" "Its not as difficult as you're trying to make it Teagan, the secret you so often over look is the example Jesus gave us to pray all the time, that's the KEY. Jesus was able to have joy in some of the most difficult of circumstances because of He had a constant fellowship with the father" "Now come on Paul how can I do that? If I had to pray all day I'd be distracted and never accomplish any thing? As if I could even do that, this is ridiculous Paul." "Well I told you to slow down your jumping to a conclusion that I didn't imply." "Huh?" "Pay attention and listen to what I'm saying. Praying all the time is as simple as a cultivating an attitude towards the all sufficient Creator God whereby you are constantly acknowledging Him as the source of every thing that happens or goes on in and throughout your day. This is what I mean by being thankful in all things/circumstances. When I develop by the grace of God an attitude towards Him that makes Him treasured as the giver of all things it puts me in the joyful position of constantly being blessed, comforted, cared for and at peace with Him. And it's this attitude that is His will for you Teagan Be Joyful By Constantly Acknowledging Him in Praise and Thankfulness throughout your day. Oh the pleasure and joy that waits for you Teagan as you walk in Gods will for you in Christ Jesus" "Thanks Paul, I think I've got it now. An attitude of thankfulness leads to a heart of prayer which in turn brings about a joyful fellowship with the Lord that can't be known any other way. Thanks Paul I needed that." "You're very welcome Teagan, stop by any time."

Alright then, there you have it, a meditation for you from an imaginary conversation. Read the verses (1Thess5:16-18) again then meditate through them backwards and you'll see that being "Joyful always" is indeed attainable for you. The will of God for you is this that through a thankful heart you would seek His constant fellowship in prayer resulting in a Joy filled walk that's independent of your physical circumstances. May the grace of our Lord Jesus sustain you and may the resurrection power of the Father bring new life to your weary soul today.  Amen

For the Joy of Your Faith,
Teagan