Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
 
 
After spending time in the village of Gatehouse of Fleet one afternoon, we began our walk through the woods to our hotel. Although we were told there was a turn or two, we were not prepared for the many crossroads of paths in this verdant forest in the Lowlands of Scotland. Every time we came to yet another intersection of trails, collectively as a group, we would decide which way to go, ever hoping and praying we were making the right choice as we ambled along.
 
Ever find yourself at a crossroads? Those times in my life where I need to make a major decision that could potentially drive my journey off in another direction have been agonizing. I want so badly to make the perfect choice, and one that is in God’s will. Many times, that “perfect” choice isn’t obvious. Fear of making the wrong decisions can be paralyzing. What I’m learning is, when it comes to knowing and doing God’s will, God is not so much interested in us making that perfect choice as He is interested in our hearts.
 
When we wrestle with what God’s will is for our lives, we lose sight of some basic principles. Yes, we do need to know and follow God’s will for our lives, but sometimes we create roadblocks when perhaps the signpost to follow is more visible than we think.
 
Our key verse today contains three steps we can take to reveal God’s will for our lives. Rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances are unexpected practices we can insert into each day. As we lean into God’s heart, His desires become our desires, causing our wills to be shaped into His will.
 
In knowing God’s will, “rejoicing always” is finding joy even when circumstances tell us otherwise. Rejoicing involves seeing God above our circumstances. It’s a vertical focus, looking upward to God, even as we look horizontally at the events swirling around us. Discovering joy is more about focusing on God’s character and the relationship we have in His Son, Jesus, than focusing on our circumstances. God is good, God is faithful, and God loves us. Parking our minds on these truths helps us to experience joy, even in the midst of hardship.
 
In addition to “rejoicing always”, we need to pray continually. This doesn’t mean we’re always on our knees in prayer. Rather praying continually means having a conversation with God throughout our day and being mindful of His presence. Being so in tune with the Holy Spirit in prayer creates in us a joy from being in the presence of the Lord that we come full circle from prayer back to joy. Prayer and joy go hand-in-hand.
 
Lastly, giving thanks in all circumstances is easier after practicing joy and constant prayer. Even in difficult circumstances, it is possible to give thanks, not for the circumstances themselves, but that Jesus is with us and walks with us in those trying times. Again, it’s more about the vertical focus, rather than the horizontal. Choosing an attitude of gratitude aligns our hearts and minds with that of God. Even Job still praised God when everything was taken from him because he trusted in God and in His character (see Job 1:21).
 
When we rejoice in God and pray continually, especially praising Him, we find it easier to be thankful. It’s interesting that joy, prayer, and thanksgiving are all linked in Philippians 4:4-7. And the end result is peace.
 
These three practices of rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances can thaw the paralysis of decision-making while aligning our will with God’s will. We can live in joy and in peace, not in fear. When our hearts are beating in time with God’s, we needn’t fear making the wrong choice. God takes our every decision and weaves them together to create the beautiful tapestry of our lives. He can use whatever path we take as long we’re walking closely with Him.
 
As for the long walk in the Scottish woods that day, we did find our way to the hotel. And I’m happy to report, we arrived without getting lost, not even once!
 
 
Dear Lord, thank You that You are more concerned about my relationship with You than You are about me making the “perfect” decision. I praise You that You are in control of my future and are more than able to use whatever well-intended choices I make to bring about Your plan for me. Keep me close to Your heart so I may desire Your desires for me and live out Your will for me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
 
 
Want to subscribe to future posts? Click here.
 
Text and photograph copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of woods near Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.
 
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.  Romans 12:2
 
 
“La Ville Lumière” is one of my favorite places to visit. Paris was nicknamed the City of Light because it was one of the first European cities to adopt gas street lighting back in the day and also because of its role in the Age of Enlightenment. Known for being the hub of art, fashion, and cuisine, Paris has so much to offer. One fun fact is that the Louvre is the most visited art museum in the world. Not surprising since it houses many treasures including the famous Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory.
 
On a recent sunny autumn day, I took the Métro to a less-visited museum to see another famous sculpture. The cloudless sky was a beautiful blue and a faint breeze greeted me as I ambled down rue de Varenne. Musée Rodin and its lovely gardens is home to many of Auguste Rodin’s works, including “The Thinker”.
 
Outside in the garden and surrounded by a ring of hedges, the Thinker is a full-size bronze sculpture set on a huge stone pedestal. Originally named “The Poet”, Rodin’s “Thinker” appears lost in deep thought as he sits perched above. His lifelike muscular body looks powerful enough to spring into action at any moment.
 
As I stood below gazing up into this expressive bronze face, I wondered how often I sit and reflect. In a particularly busy season of life, I know I didn’t hit the “pause” button often enough. Although I’m more likely to do so now, stopping to reflect and think is crucial. If we find we are “waking up in the middle of a story”, not really knowing how we got where we are in life, then perhaps hitting “pause” can reset our course, re-shift our priorities, and help us live more purposefully. If we think we are too busy to slow down once in a while, we’re too busy!
 
Romans 12:2 says we are to not be conformed to the world’s patterns but to be transformed by renewing our minds. The world may tell us to wear our busyness as a badge of honor, but what’s the point if we never slow down long enough to ponder whether what we are busy doing is a worthwhile pursuit? Or whether it’s even what God would want us to do? Perhaps we are involved in many good activities but just too many. I’ve been caught in the trap of busyness too often. Pausing and reflecting keeps me grounded. Incorporating Scripture verses and prayer into that thinking time enables me to hear God’s truth and apply it to my life.
 
Taking time out from busy schedules to think, reflect, and pray helps us refocus on what’s important, to redirect our efforts if needed, and to simply slow down so we can journey through life in a more mindful and intentional way. By stopping to think about what God would have us do keeps us focused on His will for us. Even Jesus slipped away for some quiet time and prayer so He could reconnect with His heavenly Father. If He needed to, then surely we do!
 
While the Thinker’s pensive stance is a great work of art, we’d do well to take a cue from this famous sculpture and strike a similar pose. Pause, reflect, and pray. Living unrushed and intentional as we renew our minds and focus on God’s will for us reaps huge rewards here and for all eternity.
 
Lord, sometimes I am simply too busy to pause, reflect, and pray. Help me slow down to focus on You and what You want me to do, not what my to-do list dictates that I do. Transform me into who You want me to be by renewing my mind so that I can then live out Your will in my life, Your good, pleasing, and perfect will. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
 
 
Want to subscribe to future posts? Click here.
 
Text and photo copyright © 2017 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved. Photo of “The Thinker” from Musée Rodin, Paris.
 
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™