Welcome back to the 2nd installment of the MaverickRx Fruit of the Spirit Challenge! We’re still so happy to be invited into your inbox and hopeful our challenge helps you consider positive mindset shifts. Last week we talked about love and its incredible power in our lives.
Remember to join us on Thursday at 8:15 a.m. on Facebook to share your thoughts and get a little inspired, too.
Let’s get to it! This week we’re talking about JOY!
SCRIPTURE:
Romans 15:13 New Living Translation (NLT)
13 “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
REFLECTION:
It is wonderful when blessings seem to greet us around every corner. When things are going well, it’s easy to acknowledge all the good. Some days its feels like being on top of the world: woke up early, got a good workout, headed to work and missed the freight train, pulled into the grocery store and there was a spot right up front, kids are getting along, house stayed inexplicably clean…one of those birds are chirping, sun is shining, all is right with the world kind of days.
Funny thing, though, when struggle comes around that same corner how quickly we only see the clouds. When hard times come to pass, and they most certainly will, staying connected with God and thanking him for the challenge helps us remain joyful.
Choosing to remain in gratitude takes real work, but it creates a powerful mindset change. We stop focusing on the negative; we’re given a moment of clarity to look at the big picture where blessings abound. We have to be open to God’s help in our lives, and often we need to ask for direction.
I had one of those days last week, in fact. I felt like I was up against a storm of uncertainty. I did not know what to do next and I started to panic. Alone in my kitchen, the house full of children, I started to truly panic. I said, out loud, “what do I do?” In that moment I remembered Rhonda saying sometimes when she feels awful she gets down on her knees and prays. So I did it. I went to my favorite chair, got down on my knees and unloaded my fear. I asked, “what do I do now?” The tiniest voice in my head said to me, “just make dinner, Melissa.” To that I said, “thank you.” By asking, I received peace and guidance; I was thankful and filled with hope.
Asking for help and thanking God for challenges is the uncomfortable choice. It’s easier and more comfortable to call a friend and try to work it all out on your own. However, the uncomfortable choice often yields the best response.
SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGE:
This week on social media share a moment of joy in your life and tag @MaverickRx on Facebook.
