Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NKJV)
Has something caused you to stop dreaming?
Proverbs 13:21 says that hope deferred makes the heart sick. And Proverbs 17:22 (AMP) goes even further: "A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." When life knocks you down, choosing to get back up with joy and keep dreaming is like a dose of the best medicine around.
Maybe your current circumstances are making it difficult to picture a bright future. A loved one in the hospital, a failing business or a feeling of being stuck can all take a toll on our dreams. But God has prepared a table before you in the presence of your enemies (Psalm 23:5)! His abundant joy, provision and favour are yours, no matter where you are.
Choosing to dream and keep a faith-filled outlook may cause people to think you're not taking the situation seriously. But what do they mean by "serious"? Does that mean you stop living, loving and hoping? Should you look like you've been sucking lemons all day? Not a chance!
Today's verse says God's will is for us to rejoice always, not just when things are going well. In the Passion Translation, it says, "Let your joy be a continual feast."
It's time to crank up your joy and laugh again. Get out in the backyard and toss a football with your son. Play dolls with your little girl. Gather the family around the table for a meal and swap some jokes. Make a point to rejoice and keep dreaming. Why? Because your God is going to see you through!
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