Devotion by: Lynne Roots
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Are you familiar with the expression, K.I.S.S.? (Keep It Simple, Stupid…well, the “stupid” part is a bit offensive but the message is not.) We tend to overwork everything. We create complications where there are none. We think in terms of problems rather than challenges. We look for hidden meanings. We mess with the messages the Bible sends.
Paul’s message in I Thessalonians is so clear: how to live in order to please God. Always be joyful; pray without ceasing and give thanks in everything. Very clear. Very simple. “But I have such a busy life full of complications and problems!” Don’t we all? The complications and problems are not the issue here but how we deal with them. Have you ever sat down and made a written list of what you have, how you live, your blessings? It’s a wonderful exercise. If you are willing to look outside yourself, you will see that your “problems” pale in comparison to others. Do you or a loved one have cancer? Does a loved one have Alzheimer’s? Are you employed? Do you have a roof over your head? Enough to eat? Do you live in a country racked by war? Let’s get real here and think about what you do have, where and how you live and how you are blessed, then re-read the words of Paul. Very clear. Very simple.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, Give me the courage to look outside myself to see that I am truly blessed and that those blessings are of your making. I thank you each day for those blessings. Amen.
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