S) "16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NASB)
O) I've heard a lot of Christians complain about not being able to hear from God. Or complaining about not knowing the will of God for their lives. The funny thing is, though, that so many Christians neglect the written words of God. If we aren't attentive to what God has already shown us, should we be surprised at all that we're not hearing His further instruction? In this passage we have a very clear directive for God's will for our lives, yet so many Christians still act like they've been left directionless.
A) If I'm ever in a place that I'm having trouble discerning God's will for my life, I need to return to these basics.
1. Be joyful. I have every reason to have joy. No matter what else happens in this life, I don't have to go to hell. I have hope of a life everlasting. It takes effort to be rejoice; joy is not an emotion.
2. Pray. It's easy to lose focus or drive when I feel like I'm not hearing from God. I need to continue pressing on in prayer. "without ceasing" doesn't mean that I'm continually talking to God, but my dialogue with Him needs to remain open at all times. It's like when teenagers are on the phone - they aren't always speaking, but they're still "talking" to their bf/gf. I need to be on the line with God, even if I'm not actually speaking, and I'm not exactly hearing Him - I still need to be listening.
3. Thank Him. This one can be the most difficult, especially if I'm feeling distant from God in the first place. Thankfulness is a deliberate act and sometimes it takes some real stretching. That may actually be the biggest testiment to thankfulness, though. If, in my heart, I want to be thankful, so much, that I'm looking for any reason to give thanks to God, then I'm heading in the right direction.
P) Father, I want to do Your will. I want to want it, as well. I know sometimes it's easy to lose focus or perspective. I know that if I'm not attentive, it's also easy for me to allow distance to grow between us. Thank You for helping me these last 5 months, to be consistent in my study of Your Word, and my devotion in prayer. Holy Spirit, continue to speak to me, through the Word, or other people, or directly, and give me discernment to know the will of the Father. Strengthen me and encourage me and embolden me to carry out that will. I want to be an action figure in Your hands, God. Let my heart be ever joyful, open, and thankful. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
A) If I'm ever in a place that I'm having trouble discerning God's will for my life, I need to return to these basics.
1. Be joyful. I have every reason to have joy. No matter what else happens in this life, I don't have to go to hell. I have hope of a life everlasting. It takes effort to be rejoice; joy is not an emotion.
2. Pray. It's easy to lose focus or drive when I feel like I'm not hearing from God. I need to continue pressing on in prayer. "without ceasing" doesn't mean that I'm continually talking to God, but my dialogue with Him needs to remain open at all times. It's like when teenagers are on the phone - they aren't always speaking, but they're still "talking" to their bf/gf. I need to be on the line with God, even if I'm not actually speaking, and I'm not exactly hearing Him - I still need to be listening.
3. Thank Him. This one can be the most difficult, especially if I'm feeling distant from God in the first place. Thankfulness is a deliberate act and sometimes it takes some real stretching. That may actually be the biggest testiment to thankfulness, though. If, in my heart, I want to be thankful, so much, that I'm looking for any reason to give thanks to God, then I'm heading in the right direction.
P) Father, I want to do Your will. I want to want it, as well. I know sometimes it's easy to lose focus or perspective. I know that if I'm not attentive, it's also easy for me to allow distance to grow between us. Thank You for helping me these last 5 months, to be consistent in my study of Your Word, and my devotion in prayer. Holy Spirit, continue to speak to me, through the Word, or other people, or directly, and give me discernment to know the will of the Father. Strengthen me and encourage me and embolden me to carry out that will. I want to be an action figure in Your hands, God. Let my heart be ever joyful, open, and thankful. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
That's really interesting! I love that!
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