07-24-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 24, 2020
Scripture: Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.

Thought for the Day: I’m sure there are some sports fans reading this, and if you’re like me, you’ve probably watched a few games when your team was clearly going to lose. No matter how much screaming you did (whether at the game or watching on TV), it wasn’t going to change the outcome. It was like watching someone fall off a ladder, and there was nothing you could do. There are times when life leaves you feeling helpless. Though if we are honest with ourselves, there has never been a time when we’ve been in control of even 50% of life. Of course, right now, there are days when it feels like the ladder keeps falling over again and again, and we are nothing but powerless observers. 

One of the go-to lines people offer in times like this is: Choose Joy. Now that might be a little easier said than done, but there are things we can do. Let me suggest two. First, if you are watching/listening to more than 30 minutes of news each day, why don’t you turn off the TV and spend a few minutes reading some words from Philippians, followed by some time listening to music that speaks to your soul. Second, call a trusted friend and ask the question: What two things put a smile on your face yesterday? I have found the observations of others to inspire my perception of the world around me. What I had not notice suddenly comes into focus.

Prayer: Provide me some tools and models for my joy search. Holy God, I may not be ready to rejoice always, but I sure am looking for a few more opportunities right now. Amen.

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