Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)

 

All circumstances are opportunities to rejoice and give thanks.

Not everything that happened is good, but good things can come flow it. By rejoicing and giving thanks, you are demonstrating faith and hope, believing since you have been called according to His purpose, nothing can keep God from fulfilling His will for your life.

You are not praying to get God to do something, but rather you are praying knowing that Father is for you and with you. Don’t pray according to your circumstances or whatever your needs may be. Pray according to the character of the Father, who is perfect in every way and will do you no wrong.

Keep your focus on the One who loves you with perfect love and will never forget you or forsake you. If you don’t catch hold of this thought of God, it becomes more difficult to rejoice and give thanks as your circumstances change.

Rejoicing brings the blessing of God's shalom peace that passes all understanding. While you cannot stop the storm, you can enjoy God's peace in the midst of it. God's peace acts like a shield, guarding your heart (emotions and feelings) and mind (imaginations and thoughts) from becoming bitter and hardened by life’s setbacks and struggles. As you continue to live in the reality of your oneness and fullness in Christ Jesus, you will find yourself in God where everything is possible.