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Today's Scripture: ‘Because he loves me,’ says the LORD, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.’ Psalm 91:14, NIV. Today's Word: One time, I was outside my house standing under a big oak tree talking with some people. There had been a severe drought in Houston, and the trees were very stressed. After we got through talking, we walked away. About ten seconds later, this big branch fell right where we were standing. If we had still been there, we would all be in the hospital. We walked away at just the right time. It wasn’t a lucky break; it was the goodness of God directing our steps. Today, I encourage you to be on the lookout for God’s goodness. Acknowledge His name; acknowledge His love. Listen to the still, small voice and let Him direct your steps. He will lead you, guide you and protect you all the days of your life! Prayer for Today: Father, thank You for Your protection. Thank You for Your faithfulness and love. I acknowledge Your name. I acknowledge Your love and thank You for Your goodness in every area of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen. |
It’s Your Choice To Rejoice By Rick Warren — May 31, 2014
When things are falling apart, don’t try to work it out yourself. Just let God put the pieces back together.
If you’re facing a problem, you’ve got two options: You can worship or you can worry. That’s it! This is what I call the faith factor.
Paul says in Philippians 1:18-19, “I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance” (NLT). In that one verse, Paul gives several sources of strength so you can stay positive and happy in tough times.
First, you have to keep God’s perspective on your problems. Paul says, “For I know.” It’s what you know that keeps you going. Paul knew God was working in the midst of his struggle, and he kept God’s bigger perspective.
Secondly, Paul had people praying for him, and it kept him going. Then he says, “The Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me.” The Holy Spirit also kept Paul going. Finally he says, “This will lead to my deliverance.” Paul had faith that God would work his problem for good.
Because he had God’s perspective, the prayer of friends, the Holy Spirit, and faith, Paul chose to “continue to rejoice.”
It’s your choice to rejoice.
Talk It Over
“I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.” (Philippians 1:18b-19 NLT)
If you’re facing a problem, you’ve got two options: You can worship or you can worry. That’s it! This is what I call the faith factor.
Paul says in Philippians 1:18-19, “I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance” (NLT). In that one verse, Paul gives several sources of strength so you can stay positive and happy in tough times.
First, you have to keep God’s perspective on your problems. Paul says, “For I know.” It’s what you know that keeps you going. Paul knew God was working in the midst of his struggle, and he kept God’s bigger perspective.
Secondly, Paul had people praying for him, and it kept him going. Then he says, “The Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me.” The Holy Spirit also kept Paul going. Finally he says, “This will lead to my deliverance.” Paul had faith that God would work his problem for good.
Because he had God’s perspective, the prayer of friends, the Holy Spirit, and faith, Paul chose to “continue to rejoice.”
It’s your choice to rejoice.
Talk It Over
- What does it look like to worship God in the midst of a struggle?
- Who do you rely on for prayer support? Who can you count on to genuinely and faithfully pray for your spiritual growth?
- Think of a problem that you’re experiencing right now. How have you seen God work in the midst of your pain? What do you expect God to do in and through you because of this experience?
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