It is an interesting change, going from discussing and reflecting on words from Jesus, versus reading words from Paul. So much of what Jesus talks about is directed at our hearts. So much of what Paul says is directed toward our actions. Today's scripture is from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, and it is simply and beautifully this:
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
Rejoice always.
Pray continually.
Give thanks in all circumstances.
Because this is God's will for you.
I just did a Google search for "positive thinking". There were too many returns to count. Popular returns came from health organizations (Mayo Clinic), counseling centers, spiritual centers and more. Their approaches are diverse, but they agree on several things:
1. Thinking positively will improve your health. It will increase your ability to fight diseases, depression, cardiovascular issues, and generally increase your life span, provided you don't get hit by a bus.
2. The way you think influences the way you live. If you look for positive things in your life, you will find things to be happy about. If you expect negative things in your life, you will find things to be sad/angry/upset about. Like Winston Churchill said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
3. Your attitude affects those around you.
I firmly believe that through scripture and through our experience of Spirit, God encourages us to live in ways that will make us happy and whole. Our creator wants us to live abundant lives with the awareness of grace around us. That's why I think this quote from Paul is so beautiful.
Rejoice always. Be Happy - intentionally! Know that you walk with God, that everything around you is a gift, that good things will come to you (as will bad) and that you are loved beyond measure.
Pray continually. Invite God into every moment. Experience this life with Christ. Invite Grace and blessings to your life and to those around you. Do not be afraid to ask for what you need, but do not be married to the outcome.
Give thanks in all circumstances. Thank the One for each breath. Celebrate with God for all the good in your life. Give thanks even for the bad moments, because times of loss and difficulty often yield unexpected blessing.
Trust that our God wants all good things for you. Trust that joy and abundance are God's will for you.
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