Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord!
Philippians 3:1a
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4
Do my children see me rejoice in the Lord? As I write this, I lie in my bed recovering from strep throat, thinking about all the things on my family's plate right now, and completely convicted that my children may not see me choosing joy with all that's going on. That's right, I said choosing joy. Joy is an attitude, not an emotion.
James tells us straight out of the gate in 1:2, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds." As used in this context, to 'consider' is to choose the point of view you will take.
Peter instructs us in I Peter 4:12-13, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ..." You see, they had a choice. To be surprised, or to actively take on joy.
And take the example of Habakkuk, whose world was falling apart before him. In the midst of literal disaster, he unbelievably chose joy: "...yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights" (Habakkuk 3:18-19).
You, too, can choose joy. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you choose joy today. And use the opportunity, if appropriate, to talk with your children about choosing joy despite things not being what you want. After all, isn't that what we ask of our children all the time? We, too, can choose to have an attitude of joy because of the Holy Spirit who is at work in us!
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His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 1 Peter 1:3
Welcome to Encouraging Words for Moms, a site created by a heart convicted to glorify God. As a mother of two toddler boys, I am constantly reminded, in the sweet conviction of the Holy Spirit, that I am powerless to "bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4) apart from Him.
I Peter 1:-3-4 tells us that "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness" (emphasis mine). Together let's encourage one another in Christ on this wonderful journey called motherhood by drinking deep from His Word!
I Peter 1:-3-4 tells us that "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness" (emphasis mine). Together let's encourage one another in Christ on this wonderful journey called motherhood by drinking deep from His Word!
