I sat across from the boys yesterday at our table, talking about joy. We have started our homeschool study this week on the Fruit of the Spirit and have gone over love and are now on joy.
Joy.
Something that I have struggled to really walk fully in. But this morning I read the boys a familiar story out of the bible about Paul and Silas. I read to them about how they were locked in prison cells and the chains around their feet that bound them. We talked about how they probably felt and what they were thinking, being trapped in those dark, dirty prison cells.
We talked about how sometimes hard things happen to us and how we always have a choice – are we going to choose grumpy or angry? Or are we going to listen to God and choose to let His fruit of joy show through us?
Paul said so wisely in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ‘Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus‘. (NIV)
I love how the simplicity of a children’s bible story can make me stop and think. I needed that story probably more than my boys… It reminded me that I have God’s joy living on the inside of me. I just need to choose to let it show through.
Showing joy isn’t always easy. That’ why we need to stay plugged into Jesus and keep a thankful heart. I believe that having a thankful heart is one of the best ways to keep our perspective in the right place so joy can overflow.
Today I am thankful for the Spirit of God living on the inside of me. I am thankful that the Father sent the Spirit to be our Counselor.
I am thankful for spring. I am thankful for the warmer weather and the ability to be outside.
I am thankful for DIY projects in our home. I am thankful that a can of paint and a brush can bring some much-needed mental relief.
I am thankful for family projects. We spent last Saturday building a new garden bed. It is so fun to watch the boys grow up to be like their daddy; measuring and drilling in the screws and being so serious in their work.
Opening our heart up to see the beautiful things right in front of us will take our thankfulness and spill it over into joy. Let me know a few things you are thankful for today in the comments! I would love to hear from you.
With love,
About Me!
My name is Tana and I am a Jesus loving, coffee drinking, twin boy wrangling woman with big dreams to help women just like you live this one life we get FULL!
Let’s be honest - life can be flat overwhelming at times, I’ve been there and lived that. But the life that Jesus died to give us is one that is so much more. It is my mission to help you learn to walk in the fullness of God and live your life well!
And
Stay in the Loop
Categories
Featured Product
Do you ever wonder where to start in teaching your children the truth from the Scriptures? How to give them a good biblical foundation? These cards will help get you started! They can be used as memory verses to teach your children or as prayer verses.