There is something amazing; literally transforming when we choose to be joyful, spend time in prayer, and take time to give thanks.

“Let joy be your continual feast.  Make your life a prayer.  And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus.”

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 (Passion)

Verse 18 really jumped out at me; “And in the MISDST OF EVERYTHING, GIVE THANKS.”  Giving thanks usually is not at the top of the list when we are going through the “midst of everything.”  Verse 17 tells us to spend time in prayer.  What happens when we spend time in prayer?  Did you know that God listens and is ready to help us out?

“I waited patiently for the LORD, And He inclined to me, And heard my cry.  He also brought me up out of a HORRIBLE PIT, Out of miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps.  He has put a NEW SONG in my mouth – PRAISE TO OUR GOD; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.”

Psalm 40:1-3

I like how this says He BROUGHT ME up out of a horrible pit.  Then the scripture goes on to say, “He set my feet upon the rock.”  The rock is God’s Word!  We can have a strong foundation under us in the midst of everything and remain standing.  BE LIFTED UP in the midst of everything!  Remember the story of Joseph?  His brothers were so jealous of him that they sold him into slavery.  As a slave Potiphar’s wife lusted after him; when Joseph did not return her affections, she lied about him.  Resulting in having him imprisoned for 13 years.  Then God brought him up!  The dreams he had many years ago were going to come to pass!

Maybe you’ve had dreams, wondering when it will come to pass?  Look again at Psalm 40:3, “He has put a NEW SONG in my mouth . . . many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.”  

God had given Joseph a dream when he was very young.  There was jealousy and envying because of that dream.  However, God is the one who placed wisdom in Joseph so that many lives would be spared during a long drought.  Years later his brothers came to Egypt to buy grain, they didn’t recognize him.  Then Joseph revealed his identity and said God is the One who brought me here for His plans and purposes.

Don’t allow the enemy to derail or distract you from the amazing plans God has for your life!

Be joyful.

Pray about everything.

Give thanks.  Remain thankful!

Wait and be patient.  God will hear you!  He will LIFT YOU UP, and give you a NEW SONG!