God’s will. How many times have I uttered these words, “What is God’s will for my life?” 

Are you in God’s will?

Every time I read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 I think, “Golly, could it really be that easy?”

These verses say:  Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 

If I were to embody these three attitudes, would God’s will just find me?

I think most of the time I’ve gotten so overwhelmed and over eager to find “God’s will” for my life and circumstance that it consumes me. Consumes me to the point that I’m not joyful, prayerful or thankful in any manner of speaking. But maybe, if I were to possess these correct attitudes and focus on being a godly woman and not be so self focused and consumed on finding my own path, it would lead me to open doors and God’s will.

It seems so profound. So simply and yet, with the distractions of phones, Netflix binging, getting the dishes done, keeping kids alive and healthy and…the dog whining at the door, it can be so hard to stop and be joyful in it all. Who wants to be joyful while washing dishes?? I have yet to find the anointing for washing dishes.

And to never stop praying. Wow. Actually, with a three-year old, I find myself bowing my head many, many times during the day, “Jesus, Jesus, I’m going to lose it. Help me. I can’t do it. I can’t do it without you. Help.” But to really, meaningfully be praying for every circumstance and word, thought and action that enters my life and to be continually praying for everyone I have ever known, it would be possible to never stop praying. But I do stop. I do frequently stop taking my eyes off Jesus.

And to be thankful in all circumstances. It’s really hard to be thankful, truly, when life is falling apart on all corners. This year has been a year to beat all years. Literally, beat. It’s gotten to the point where I shrug my shoulders, “Oh? The basement sewer is backing up in the basement and we have no money or solution to fix it? Huh. Ok.” I mean really, it’s not registering anymore. “The car needs a new battery? And the pickup broke down again…oh, both work pickups are broken down now?” *Glazed eyes* What would it take for me to be thankful after these situations arise?

As I’ve been letting these verses marinate in my heart, I have been letting His light filter through the dark places of my life. The dark place where dish washing resides. As I wash dishes, I am determined that I will be joyful that I have dishes and thankful for the homegrown food to put on those dishes and I will pray for those who struggle to even find food.

As I sink down into our tub (with no shower) that is crammed into the only bathroom in the house, I will rejoice that I am so fortunate to have a tub of warm water to wash off the days dirt. Thankful that, although our bathroom is insanely small, it does just fine. And then my mind opens up the memories of our trip to Haiti: no running water, washing clothes in the dirty, refuse filled water and people still living in tents.

“Jesus, bless all those who are struggling. May they sense your presence and be profoundly changed by your love and goodness.”

Yes, I am blessed. I am thankful. I am filled with joy because of my circumstances. Because in them, they remind me what is truly important. They remind me how stinking blessed I am; all that I have to be thankful for. And my prayers reflect this joy and thanks, and remind me to pray for all those who need the touch of Jesus in their lives. These three attitudes all go hand in hand, really.

So, if these verses are true, is it really that simple?

God’s will for me: joyful, prayerful, thankful.

To think that those three attributes could make me full, my cup overflowing! And when I ask myself, “Are you in God’s will? I can confidently say, “Yes, I’ve been quite joyful, prayerful and thankful today!”

Do you feel you have found God’s will for your life? What did it take for you to see it clearly?

At some point while reading the beginning of Genesis, you may also have wondered if Adam and Eve fought.

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