Here’s something simple from God’s Word that you can implement right away.
IT’S WORTH CONSIDERING
Over the past few years, I’ve written several articles on knowing the will of God. They’ve been from different perspectives. Some were brief. Some were in a four-part series. I hope these were helpful to you. Sometimes, however, we don’t have the time, the patience, or the mindset to wade through a well thought out argument or what seems like a treatise on the subject. These are the times when we think, If only God would just tell me what He wants, I would do it. We’ve all been there. We’re so overwhelmed with life that we just want some simple directions. It seems like such a reasonable request.

This must be your lucky day. I recently came across such a verse in the Bible. It’s short, simple, direct, easy to understand, and ends with for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. It applies to every situation and to all people. It promises to head us in the right direction and get us back on track if we’ve “lost our way.” It has the power to overcome any obstacle, display Christ likeness, and to transform us into the kind of person others like to be around. It’s full of wisdom, yet easy to understand. I have no doubt it would radically transform us if we took it to heart and put it into practice. Are you ready? Here it is:

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thess. 5:16-18).

AS I SEE IT
What was your reaction when seeing the verse? Think about it. It says a lot about us and what motivates us. Were you surprised? Encouraged? Disappointed? Think about why you felt that way. Regardless of your reaction, I hope you agree that everything I said about it is true. The problem most us face with this passage is simply that we really don’t want to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, or give thanks in everything. We want to reserve the right to some well-deserved whining and complaining. I have to ask, though, “How’s that workin’ for us?” In all honesty, not very well. It only drags down those around us and we never get the pity we think we’ve earned.

Standing Strong
(Courtesy of dwellingintheword/wordpress.com)

When something doesn’t work, why not try a different approach? This passage certainly takes us in a different direction, but let’s face it, it won’t be easy. We’ve got to break some old habits and it requires a major attitude adjustment as well as a heavenly instead of earthly perspective. If we don’t focus on setting our minds on things above (Col. 3:2), we haven’t a chance. But if God commands it, He has already supplied everything we need to carry it out.

The last thing Satan wants us to do is to obey this simple one sentence command. But if God is for us, who can be against us? Let’s ask God to make this as much a part of our lives as breathing. Imagine what an impact we’ll have.

For another article on finding God’s will, click here.

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ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
Why were the Indians here first? They had reservations. (But if they had serious reservations, they may have changed their plans.)