Saturday, March 29, 2014 

By: Gwen Hitt

Philippians 4:4  Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice!

After attending our first marriage small group meeting, my husband and I recounted the hilarious comments that were made by the various couples (including us) about the sources of annoyances in our marriages. We agreed that many of the things that we allow to steal our joy are truly insignificant and have no place in the awesome plans that God has for our lives.  

I once read that we must rid ourselves of expectations and any notions of entitlements if we want joy in our lives. We have a choice of living a life of constantly being disappointed in what others did not do ... did not say OR of living a life in which we choose to be content with what we have. 

In today's verse, Apostle Paul directs us to always be full of joy in The Lord. My challenge to you is to grasp that no one can take away your joy unless you allow it.  PULL THE PLUG when it appears that individuals and circumstances are attempting to suck the happiness out of you.  Realize that you ARE in control of your responses to the situations that you encounter.

Dear Lord, Help me to enjoy my life. Keep me from allowing my expectations to interfere with my interactions with those that you have placed in my life. Open my eyes to see things from their perspective.  

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.