Did You Say Your Joy's Been Stolen?

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks. This is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thes. 5:16-18. 

The will of God is a lifestyle, not a location. The Apostle Paul has defined it in these three compelling little verses.

If it seems your joy's been stolen, if you need wisdom, if you feel unloving or unlovable, if peace has been choked out and you're in the grip of worry, doubt, or confusion, practice the will of God in the way Paul has spelled it out. 

Three little tips for doing this, from our Pastor Skip:

1. Celebrate God's Favor

If you are in Christ, God is always for you, and everything He has is for you. Remember the times you've watched his favor in action.

2. Celebrate God's Revelation

Meditate on the life-changing things, deeply personal things, and grippingly motivating things He has shown you -- about Himself, about you, and about life.

3. Celebrate God's Victory

Resurrection can only come after death. Think about the places in you where Christ has brought new life. We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us and gave himself for us. 

And . . . keep asking to receive more favor, increased revelation, and greater victory. It's all yours in Christ. Pray into it. Live into it!

 Joy is a divine inner quality of life that lives above circumstances; it comes from above and bubbles up from within. It's a fruit of the Spirit that has to be cultivated, by feeding it with the will of God. Feel like yours has been stolen? Take it back -- it's do-able!