Abiding in the PsalmsSample

Rejoice Always

This does not mean we always have to be happy. There is no call on Christians to be stoked with everything that happens to them. We have a unique opportunity in Christ: our joy does not depend on a circumstance. It’s so easy to rejoice when things are great, but what about when school’s going badly or your parents are fighting? Where’s the joy in that? 

Our joy is in Christ, our joy is in the immovable and unchanging God. Our joy is in an unfailing hope for eternity. That is how we rejoice always. 

Pray Continually

We so often think of prayer as a formal activity. Prayer starts once we bow our heads and close our eyes, and once we’re done we move on with our day. But we don’t want to be people who pray. We want to be people of prayer. 

This switch in understanding opens up a whole new world of communication with God. There’s no reason we can’t be in a constant state of conversation with Him. He’s always there, He’s always listening. Don’t let the formalities of corporate prayer stop you from having an intimate conversation with God wherever you are. Once that changes, there’s no reason we can’t pray as we’re shopping or at school or playing sport. We can pray continually. 

Give Thanks In All Circumstances

Sometimes life sucks. That is the honest truth. Look at David, look at Paul, look at the apostles; there are times when they’re on top of the world, but there are times when everything is going against them. What are they always thankful for, though? The redemptive power of Christ Jesus. If the Christian faith is true and Jesus really did rise again from the dead, then there’s nothing in this world that can take that hope away from us. There is nothing that can possibly be so bad that we don’t have something to be thankful for! Because of what He did, we will be found in heaven, returned home to our God. Thank God for that! 

Questions

What is preventing your joy?

What stops you from praying?

What do you need to thank God for?

Pray

God, thank you for who you are. Help me to rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks regardless of circumstance. You are my joy, you hear my prayers and to you I am forever thankful. Amen.