Be joyful always

Tuesday, November 23, 1999

VERSE:
   Be joyful always.
    -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16, New International Version
       <http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?1+Thessalonians+5:16>

THOUGHT:
   Now wait just a minute.  It is raining and flooding here in Houston, and you say be joyful always.  Listen to the Good News, it was not supposed to rain again this years, so I say "blessed be the rain."  You say, "I have some pretty sorry days!"  "Things don't always go well for me!  Some of my friends have abandoned me at my worst possible moments.  How can I be joyful ALWAYS?"

    "Simple, my child," the Father reminds me. "No matter where you are, no matter how hopeless things may seem, your train is bound for glory!"  In the light of this incredible truth, all other things seem bland, out of touch, and insignificant.  God is good all the time.  All the time God is good!

PRAYER:
   O LORD, please give me a clearer sense of your glory and victory.  Please empower my faith to trust the truth of your conquest over all tribulations and trials.  Please fill me with your Spirit and bring forth your fruit in my life.  Please fill my mouth with joyful praise for all that you have done for me.  In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.