| Decide Ahead of Time |
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| THE SCRIPTURE |
| “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” |
| (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV) |
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| THE WORD |
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Have you ever said to yourself, “I’d be happy if...”?
Maybe you’re thinking, “I’d be happy if my spouse treated me better.”
“I’d be happy if my boss moved to another planet.” “I’d be happy if I
didn’t have to sit in traffic every day.” If you are thinking those
thoughts, then you are allowing what you can’t control to sour your
life. You have to change your approach.
At the first part of the day, before you get out of
bed, make the decision that no matter what comes your way, you are not
going to get upset. No matter what somebody says, you’re not going to be
offended. No matter what interruption or delay, you’re not going to be
sour. The key is to decide ahead of time. Then when life happens, when
traffic is worse than normal, when your children forget their homework
at school, or when your plans don’t work out, it’s no big deal. You’ve
already decided that “this is the day the Lord has made.”
Friend, don’t wait until you’re in the heat of the
battle. Make up your mind to rejoice no matter what happens. Decide
ahead of time to give Him praise in all things so you can move forward
in the joy and peace that He has prepared for you!
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