Faith Formation Corner by Rev. Mary
Joy is a deep sense of gratitude and understanding of God’s love. Joy is what brings us through rocky patches, it is what keeps our feet on the path God has laid out for us, it is the answered prayers of a family walking along side a loved one, it is the light that comes with each morning, it is what comforts us in times of loneliness and grieving, it is the reason God sent Jesus to live among us, and joy is our deep appreciation of all God has done, is doing, and will do with our lives.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-21 says, "16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray continually. 18 Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." Bible scholars believe these three commands are the foundation of every believer; we need to rejoice, pray, and give thanks because this is how we connect with God. Paul continues with "19 Don’t ignore the Spirit. 20 Don’t brush off Spirit-inspired messages, 21 but examine everything carefully and hang on to what is good.” In other words, look for the good, or the blessings in all circumstances, not just during the easy times, but during the hard times too, and then rejoice.
Will you join me in celebrating the joys in our lives? Our joys may be the smile from an infant, the "I love you" from a child, the hug from a stranger, the accomplishment of doing something new, the laughter of family gathered around the table, or the gift of cookies from a neighbor. Take delight in the joys you receive and be a joy to others around you. Let us enter into the new year with rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us. For no matter how hard the journey may be, we know that joy is our true home. Where is the joy in your life?
As we begin 2018, consider writing down the joys or the things you are grateful for each day. When we take time to focus on the blessings in our lives, it helps us see how God is moving among us and through us. I have been writing down my blessings each day in December, and it has brought me great joy to go back and read them. Will you join me in writing your joys down each day of this new year? May God bless your new year!
Joy is a deep sense of gratitude and understanding of God’s love. Joy is what brings us through rocky patches, it is what keeps our feet on the path God has laid out for us, it is the answered prayers of a family walking along side a loved one, it is the light that comes with each morning, it is what comforts us in times of loneliness and grieving, it is the reason God sent Jesus to live among us, and joy is our deep appreciation of all God has done, is doing, and will do with our lives.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-21 says, "16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray continually. 18 Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." Bible scholars believe these three commands are the foundation of every believer; we need to rejoice, pray, and give thanks because this is how we connect with God. Paul continues with "19 Don’t ignore the Spirit. 20 Don’t brush off Spirit-inspired messages, 21 but examine everything carefully and hang on to what is good.” In other words, look for the good, or the blessings in all circumstances, not just during the easy times, but during the hard times too, and then rejoice.
Will you join me in celebrating the joys in our lives? Our joys may be the smile from an infant, the "I love you" from a child, the hug from a stranger, the accomplishment of doing something new, the laughter of family gathered around the table, or the gift of cookies from a neighbor. Take delight in the joys you receive and be a joy to others around you. Let us enter into the new year with rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us. For no matter how hard the journey may be, we know that joy is our true home. Where is the joy in your life?
As we begin 2018, consider writing down the joys or the things you are grateful for each day. When we take time to focus on the blessings in our lives, it helps us see how God is moving among us and through us. I have been writing down my blessings each day in December, and it has brought me great joy to go back and read them. Will you join me in writing your joys down each day of this new year? May God bless your new year!
