RAMBLING: Some Light Thots

4 Always be joyful in the Lord! I'll say it again: Be joyful Phil 4:4 (GW)
Good Morning all
Recently a new study was released to the public via news media. This new study states most people are the happiest first thing in the morning and on weekends. Though they didn't report what people are like the other times though I suppose its implied. Me? I feel great, in fact I feel so good and at peace and calm after  I have had my first cup of morning coffee. I don't believe there was coffee in Paul's day but his joy, his "feeling" good was not stimulated by some artificial means or through some beverage that society is addicted to. His joy was the "real thing." His joy, his happiness was in Christ. His joy was in the knowledge that Christ is real,He is forgiving, that Christ loves him, Christ provided for his needs,especially his spiritual needs. Paul's joy was in the knowledge that Christ would never leave him. He knew Christ was (is) just, holy, caring, compassionate. Remember the time in your life when your folks told you how much they loved you? Remember when the love of your life expressed their love for you? Remember how good that made you feel? That is but a small example of the taste of the love God has for us. As a child we used to sing the hymn, COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS"

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
   When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
   Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
   And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
   
   • Refrain:
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     *Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
     [*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
   Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
   Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
   And you will keep singing as the days go by.
3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
   Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
   Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
   Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
   Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
   Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
   Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

To increase our joy all we need is to count our blessings, write them down, list them. We don't need coffee, early morning risings, winning the lottery, etc. to fill us with joy. Christ is the source of my joy because He saved me , as I got to know Him better through His Word, by His presence as I daily walked and talked with Him,then  as I shared His love, His hope, His message. Don't let gloomy dreary days, bad situations drag you down. When things look bad, when they are bad rejoice in Christ because you know He will never forsake you - He promised and He keeps His promises. If anyone knew what terrible things life can throw at us its Paul and yet he wrote,"

Phil 4:13-14 (GW)
Skypiloy