But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to
everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this
with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak
maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
1 Peter 3:15-17 (NIV84)
It has become aware that life isn't easy. Even for the believer. True, it can be easier and with the hope of Jesus and knowing the the Gospel is true no matter what happens, the days become more easily manageable even in the worst of situations. I guess this is me venting after a rough week..
I am here reminding myself that yes, the week was hard and the next week will be as well. Different challenges will rise and different situations will effect me. But can I tell you something? The Truth is still going to be true. My God still has a plan. And I still trust in Him! Because no matter how hot the factory was or how sick I felt or how awful my spanish homework was, God is still God and He is always good.
Never get too busy to find joy in Him. Now don't think I'm excluding me from this.. call me out in October, ask me how well I'm doing. But seriously.. take time daily to find joy in Him. At 5:15 when that alarm goes off and I didn't fall asleep until midnight, I am not a happy person. But when I turn it off and roll over, I remember that He has given me another day on this Earth, to love for His plan, and to grow closer to Him. Since a wonderful sermon on Sunday which challenged us to find joy in the Lord every morning before we do anything else, I'm here to say 5:15 is pretty ugly unless you find your joy, passion, hope, and outlook for the day in the Lord.
In the darkness of 5:15am, when there is no sunlight and I can still see the stars this is what I'm reminded of:
Neither
do people light a lamp and put it
under a bowl. Instead they put it on
its stand,
and it gives light to everyone in the house.
Matthew 5:15 (NIV84)
There was a noticeable difference in my attitude.. in the mornings at least. And my outlook changed from "I have to go to work so early" to "I get to go to work so early" and god has been so gracious enough to paint me a wonderful sunrise every morning.
Try it for a week.. besides, reading the bible too much isn't bad for ya..
It get's easier.
<3