Habit Of HappinessSample

It’s Your Choice To Rejoice

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.


This devotional © 2014 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.