PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• Good morning!
It’s Day 2 of Snowpocalypse 2018 here in NC and our state is shut down.
In fact, our governor declared a state of emergency before the snow even started, but that may have been because all the grocery stores were out of bread and milk.
Just kidding…
In all seriousness, this was a tremendous snowstorm and it has hit us hard.
I hope you’ll pray for those who have to be out in this today.
We are thankful to still have power so we have heat and can still cook.
I made enough soup yesterday that last night, our neighbors navigated through a foot of snow to join us for dinner.
So we’ve had some fun too in the middle of the mess.
Today, let’s focus on the word joyful.
This is such an important word and it’s certainly not the first time I’ve written about it.
Being joyful isn’t the same thing as being happy.
Being joyful is the serene peacefulness that comes from the absolute trust that God’s in charge.
That whatever happens, He has a plan.
I could cite any number of Scriptures on being joyful, but one of my favorites is Romans 12:12, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Three simple commands that all point toward a joyful heart.
When we rejoice in hope, we acknowledge the plans and the future God has promised.
When we are patient in tribulation, we are joyful that God works all things to good and that through tribulation, our faith can grow stronger.
And when we exercise constant prayer, we are joyful for the ongoing conversation with our Savior.
Today, as you pray, no matter what you’re doing, where you’re going, or whatever mountains you face — embrace the joy in every situation.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you focus on God’s hand over your life and His promise to all who believe in Jesus.
