Refresh My Heart...Laugh with Me ~
"Rejoice with those who rejoice." Romans 12:15a
We are social beings, aren't we? If you doubt it just consider the popularity of Facebook and other social networking sites, and the number of texts sent each day. It's a staggering number! Something inside of us wants to share and connect with others.
At no time is that more true than when we have good news to share: a long-awaited pregnancy, a promotion, a new car, a book contract, an engagement, even something as simple as the perfect pair of shoes. We just can't wait to tell someone.
Do you know what it's like to truly celebrate with someone, to share their joy because you understand what it means to them?
Have you also experienced jealousy because someone got something you wanted for yourself? You've pasted on a smile and congratulated them while deep inside your heart was either breaking or seething?
So how do we rise above those feelings of envy so that we may truly rejoice with those who rejoice?
By remembering that God has a perfect plan for us.
That's easier than it sounds because along with that we have to totally surrender to that plan. We have to want His plan MORE than we want our own.
But what if we could do that? What if we could truly embrace God's plan, trusting that He directs every moment of every day, every encounter, everything we see as an obstacle or interruption? What if?
If we could do that, if we truly believed that we are exactly where God wants us to be for this moment, and had exactly what he wants us to have right now, could we truly be glad for someone else?
I think so. Here's why. Just like loving someone, trusting in what God has given us and being content in that is NOT something we do in our own power. We must, every day, center our thoughts, our entire beings on the person of God. When we are immersed in who He is, the importance of everything else just falls away and we can trust that the way He works in every life is absolutely perfect. We know that the future He has for us is being built on what He is doing today.
Who has something you've been wishing and praying for? How has your attitude been about that? Have you been rejoicing with them openly while secretly frustrated about your own circumstances?
It takes deliberate focus on God - a discipline - and a willingness to submit our will to God's Spirit. If we are willing He will change our hearts so that we are first content with Him. When that happens we can truly rejoice when good things happen for others.
It is our privilege to celebrate with one another, experiencing their joy and excitement as our own. It is a wonderful gift from God.
Content and celebrating. Sounds like a great way to live!
I celebrate with you all of the blessings God has given you, even the ones I want for myself. God is wise, his timing is perfect, and his love never fails us.
Find a friend and rejoice with them today. See the hand of God at work in them and know that he holds wonderful things in store for you, too.
You are in my prayers today.
Sherri
But what if we could do that? What if we could truly embrace God's plan, trusting that He directs every moment of every day, every encounter, everything we see as an obstacle or interruption? What if?
If we could do that, if we truly believed that we are exactly where God wants us to be for this moment, and had exactly what he wants us to have right now, could we truly be glad for someone else?
I think so. Here's why. Just like loving someone, trusting in what God has given us and being content in that is NOT something we do in our own power. We must, every day, center our thoughts, our entire beings on the person of God. When we are immersed in who He is, the importance of everything else just falls away and we can trust that the way He works in every life is absolutely perfect. We know that the future He has for us is being built on what He is doing today.
Who has something you've been wishing and praying for? How has your attitude been about that? Have you been rejoicing with them openly while secretly frustrated about your own circumstances?
It takes deliberate focus on God - a discipline - and a willingness to submit our will to God's Spirit. If we are willing He will change our hearts so that we are first content with Him. When that happens we can truly rejoice when good things happen for others.
It is our privilege to celebrate with one another, experiencing their joy and excitement as our own. It is a wonderful gift from God.
Content and celebrating. Sounds like a great way to live!
I celebrate with you all of the blessings God has given you, even the ones I want for myself. God is wise, his timing is perfect, and his love never fails us.
Find a friend and rejoice with them today. See the hand of God at work in them and know that he holds wonderful things in store for you, too.
You are in my prayers today.
Sherri
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