1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
I haven't needed a mouse pad for ages. But the surface of my one-hundred-plus years, former drafting table upon which my computer perches has worn to an unresponsive sheen. The answer? Order that mouse pad, pronto!
Here is what arrives only two days after I place my order. Are these deliveries fast, or what?
So far, I'm loving the gel-packed wrist pad that cradles that most vital part of my body when engaged in web surfing. Such comfort! Even more important than that, however, is the Bible verse featured that reminds to always be joyful, no matter what life slings at me.
Be joyful . . .
This has nothing to do with being happy in the moment to moment, the day to day. Happiness is a feeling.
Joy is a promise.
It may be cliched to say, "Life isn't easy," but it's the truth. Jesus said we would have troubles in this world, and oh, boy! He wasn't kidding!
But Jesus gives us His peace, which passes all understanding, when we trust in Him. It is in that secure, safe place where my joy resides. Flourishes. Even when the world unleashes its tempests, threatening to swamp my little life boat with gloom and sadness, my happiness may vanish, but my joy remains anchored to the One on whom all my hope rests.
Yes, troubles of all kinds may visit us in this lifetime, but they need not rob our joy.
And one day, we will know the ultimate joy and peace when we dwell in heaven with God forever.
Amen!
Good timing. Thank you for this post, Martha.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Glad you enjoyed it, Victor!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Joy vs happiness.... I would take joy any day of the week. Happiness is based on emotions... Joy is based on the state of my heart. Thanks for putting this out there.
ReplyDeleteI'm absolutely with you, Ryan! We can have joy always, thanks to our Lord.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Thanks for a good reminder. Visiting you today from the faith and friends link party. laurensparks.net
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the post, Lauren! I'll be visiting you shortly.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Perfect timing, Martha Jane. Thanks for this!!
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome, Terri!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Amen, Martha. Your posts bring me joy, my friend.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to know that, Beckie!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Give thanks in all circumstances … indeed! Did you find this (pad) on Amazon, by chance? Ours is so raggedy; a real embarrassment.
ReplyDeleteYes, Mevely, I did find this on Amazon. It's my go-to place when shopping these days, as I can usually find some great bargains - better than Walmart most times.
DeleteAnd yes, always and everywhere, let us give thanks to the Lord!
Love and blessings!
Amen! And yes, always be joyful...we have so much to rejoice about in life if we have Jesus in our hearts! Love your new mouse pad. What a great idea!! I may have to replace mine soon as it is getting worn out...this is a great one to have to remind us as we write and surf the net... Have a joyful weekend! I know I am!
ReplyDeleteYes, Pamela, so much to be joyful about when Jesus is Lord of our lives!
DeleteGlad you liked the mouse pad, too. As I mentioned to Mevely, I ordered mine from Amazon. Easy-peasey! Let me know if you decide to get one.
Love and blessings!
We have had some sadness this summer with hubby fighting lung cancer and me fighting my own demons in coming to terms with it all. Some days, I woke up with the big C on my mind, but the joy has been in knowing that dozens of friends and family are praying. Joy came in knowing that someone loves us enough to plant beautiful flowers around our mail box as a home coming surprise. Joy came in my son and family taking us in until the treatments were finished. The greatest joy came in knowing that God loves us no matter what.
ReplyDeleteOh, Nells, my heart goes out to you and yours with all the struggles that have faced you this summer. Know I continue to pray, and I'm so glad to know that in spite of the pain and uncertainty, joy has shown up big time for you. God does love us, no matter what, as you said.
DeleteLove and blessings!
All you said is so true, the Lord is our anchor at all times, especially those storms that threaten to drown us.
ReplyDeleteThis year I've come to look at my troubles as "assignments" -- matters that are intended to teach me more about Him (and myself). Nothing lasts forever except the grace of our Lord Jesus, so with that in mind, we can get through [whatever] knowing we are not alone, we've got the help we need, and the problem won't last forever.
Amen, Barbara! I love that you've come to look at your troubles as "assignments." Yes, what is God teaching us through the tough times? What does He expect from us? So grateful, too, knowing that the grace of the Lord is the only thing that lasts forever.
DeleteLove and blessings!
The verses from 1 Thessalonians are some of my very favorites. Rejoice, pray, give thanks - great advice for anyone!
ReplyDeleteThose verses are absolutely some of the best advice out there! I'm glad my mouse pad reminds me to be joyful in all things, Laurie.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I still marvel at the times He has been able to give us joy when the circumstances were hard. Without it has to be His Spirit's supernatural help! Thanks for this and I love the new mousepad!
ReplyDeleteI marvel at that, too, Deb, and don't think I'll ever cease to! God's indescribable peace holds that joy deep within us. Glad you liked the mouse pad!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, this is a beautiful post in many ways. It's so easy to get joy and happiness confused or use them interchangeably. As you rightly noted, there's a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is truly a feeling--feelings can be so fickle and deceptive at times.
ReplyDeleteJoy is truly a gift from the Lord. Joy in (and from) the Lord is what allowed Paul to write Philippians (the book of joy) from a prison cell!
By the way, I really like your new mouse pad!
Love and blessings!
Yes, Kim, the world tends to get happiness and joy all mixed up, and there truly is a vast difference between the two. Joy IS a gift from God, and a miraculous, marvelous one at that! Paul is the perfect example of how joy cannot be squelched, even behind the walls of a prison. Glad you liked the mouse pad, too!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh, how pretty! So colorful and such a constant reminder to keep joyful. You are so right - happiness and joy are not the same. God bless you to always keep that deep-seated joy, my friend. :)
ReplyDeleteMay God's deep-seated joy always be a part of your life, too, Cheryl! Yes, the mouse pad is so cheerful; I love the reminder to be joyful every time I gaze at it.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I often tell others joy is always ours, and it is not the same as happiness--It is better!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend!
Amen, Loralu, joy is far better and greater!
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"...threatening to swamp my little life boat with gloom and sadness"
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of Jesus sleeping peacefully in the boat and then calming the storm because the sailors were scared.
That was the thought that came to my mind, too, Sandi. How frightened those disciples were! But Jesus calmed the storm, and He can do the same for us.
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weird comment above unless you have removed it.
ReplyDeletelove your new mouse pad. made me smile which I sure it does for you too.
Yes, I just now removed it, Jean - I've been getting some weird spam lately. And yes, my new mouse pad does make me smile!
DeleteLove and blessings!