I won't keep you in suspense. The secret to JOY in the middle of evil and chaos such as the world is experiencing now, can be found in one word: PRAISE.
This is not a philosophical idea - this is an actual fact. It is scriptural, and it is more real than most things you see and touch.
This is something you can put into practice every single day of your life, particularly when you experience something normally perceived as 'bad.' For instance, today I had to have about 12 vials of blood drawn - even one vial is a traumatic experience for me. I just have a phobia about it. So, today when I saw those twelve vials, and the gal wrapped the band around my arm, I closed my eyes and began to praise the Lord (silently!) for individual blessings for which I am thankful. It immediately calmed me down and changed my entire focus. Paul, the apostle, well understood this:
There is absolutely nothing than can happen to you that can eliminate the joy that can be yours from immediate praise. It may sound crazy, but if you are in a fender-bender, what is there to be thankful for? That no one was hurt ... that you have insurance ... that it wasn't your fault ... that in some way it could have been worse! There is always something that deserves thanks to the Lord in every single situation.
It's no use arguing with me! Because personally and experientially I know this to be true over many years. And then there is the ultimate truth of this matter: "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2. End of conversation! None of us can top that.
Write yourself a little reminder to do this. Start with once a day, and continue until PRAISE is an automatic response to every event in your life - whether it be large or small.
You will be filled with joy all the time. I guarantee it. (More impressively, the Bible guarantees it.) It will revolutionize your life.
This is the secret to being joyful in all things ... and to the abundant life of the Christian. It's yours for the taking.
Royal Heir
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