Advent: Waiting on God's PromisesSample

Count it all joy...

Good perspective in times of waiting can be a great help…but rejoicing in all our circumstances rejuvenates us as it stirs up our confidence!

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Paul exhorts the church to rejoice always. How on earth is such a thing even possible? Rejoicing in hardship? Rejoicing in grief? How can that be?

The answer lies in the 4-word sentence at the end of Philippians 4:5 – The Lord is near. (NIV) Yep, let’s get excited! The Lord is at hand! These present troubles are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us! (Romans 8:18) That is worth rejoicing in.

Even more than that, as we remember the goodness of God in our lives, we can see his goodness everywhere. What a beautiful thought – our peace comes from the reassurance of putting into practice all the beautiful things we have seen, heard, and learned. Now that really is something worth celebrating!

What have you seen today that is:

• True
• Noble
• Right
• Pure
• Lovely
• Admirable
• Excellent
• Praiseworthy

Take a moment to write a list of these things. Think of even the smallest things that you can bring to mind. Now take time to thank the Lord for all the wonderful things you have seen today.

Prayer

"Lord, help me to be mindful in the midst of every day that there are things worth rejoicing in. Today I am grateful for the things I have seen. Help me to continue to walk in that mindset, Amen."