Today’s Scripture: Keep on praying. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT Tyndale 1996
What came first the chicken or the egg? As I read 1 Thessalonians 5:16 this morning “Always be joyful” I initially thought there is the affirmation for the day. “I am always joyful”. Even though I find that to be true I thought there are some that are in a place where they aren’t feeling joy. Then the very next verse hit me, Keep on praying. What comes first the joy or the prayer?
As I continued to read through first and second Thessalonians I kept seeing other powerful affirmations that come from prayer such as:
- I am always thankful.
- I hold on to what is good.
- God calls me.
- I belong to God.
- God gives me grace and peace.
- I know God.
- I believe the Good News.
- I receive the undeserved favor of God.
- God gives me strength.
- I am confident in the Lord.
- The Lord of peace Himself gives me peace.
What wonderful things come as a result of praying without ceasing. Yes we can always be joyful no matter what happens if we are praying and worshipping Him. I encourage you to try it. If you don’t know how to pray just go to Him and He is faithful and will do it for you. I used to pray rarely and I also rarely experienced joy. What came first?
Today’s Prayer: Father, thank You for giving us prayer. How awesome it is that we can meet You in prayer and be filled by Your Spirit. God I welcome Your Spirit. I believe in the Good News that You have given. Help me to be faithful to Your calling and keep me confident in knowing it is You who do all things. I seek You in prayer not for what You do but for who You are. Thank You for Your peace. Amen
Tom Raines
Christian Affirmations 4 Life
I pray for you every day Tom and certainly ask the same. Please keep on praying! Good word today.
How humbling it is Bill to know that you are being prayed for. I too will be praying for you, count on it. Thanks for your continued encouragement and prayers. May God be glorified!
Communicating with God is why we were created. Good thoughts Tom.
Amen Kimberly, the very purpose of our being. He is our ALL, without ceasing.
Thanks!!
Thank you so much for your post. What a great reminder to be perpetually in communication by prayer with our Father. Not every prayer is answered instantly ~ and how thankful I am for that sometimes!
Thank you so much for dropping by and commenting. Thank you for reminding us to trust in God’s timing and yes I am thankful. His time is not our time but His blessings are eternal! Please come back to visit and I look forward to following your joy journey as well.
Tom, I wonder why I sometimes think my timing would be better than God’s perfect timing? Thank you so much for the reminder to keep on praying. I don’t comment very often but I always read and appreciate you so much!
Meg, thank you for speaking up when you can. Why do we do the things we do?
Keep on praying!
Well said, tom.
Thanks Dustin!
When you truly believe the Word of God – how can you not be joyful. All He is to us … all He promises. We lose our joy when we cease to trust and believe focusing on our circumstances instead of our convictions.
Rachel
Amen Rachel! We lose our joy when we take our gaze off of Him. We look away and trust and peace turn to life and circumstances. A joy in Him beyond measure. Thank you!