As a kid I learned the canon song “Rejoice in the Lord Always.” “Rejoice, rejoice and again I say rejoice” the lyrics cried out with very little meaning to a young child. But reading the command to rejoice in Philippians 4 as an adult opens up new meaning.
Stealing Joy
While further researching what this phrase means, I stumbled upon a quote by Charles Spurgeon.
“People who are very happy, especially those who are very happy in the Lord, are not apt either to give offense or to take offense. Their minds are so sweetly occupied with higher things, that they are not easily distracted by the little troubles which naturally arise among such imperfect creatures as we are. Joy in the Lord is the cure for all discord.”
I frequently tell my kiddos, “Being offended is a choice.”
It hit me that in parenting I can be offended by my children’s actions, words, and attitudes. But if I am filled with joy and finding my purpose and satisfaction in God, not my children, I can let things roll.
Choose Joy
Today, I am choosing joy. I am choosing to see God’s blessings and take captive thoughts that build anxiety and resentment.
Who’s with me?
Upcoming ABCJesusLovesMe Conferences:
- August 2-3, 2023 – Tomball, Texas (Houston)
- September 21, 2023 – Alma, Georgia
- November 3-4, 2023 – Scurry, Texas (Dallas)
