And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: — 1 Thessalonians 1:6

It’s so easy for us to let what’s going on around us decide how we feel. Paul tells this group of new Christians who are being attacked that their new life in Christ has brought them joy, even though things look bad around them. Their happiness wasn’t just a temporary, situation-based surface. Instead, they had been happy to hear the strong message of salvation. This joy did not depend on what was going on in their lives. It was based on the way their Savior lived, on the fact that he was always with them through the Holy Spirit, and on the fact that Jesus could save them.

 

Thought

It’s so easy for us to let what’s going on around us decide how we feel. Paul tells this group of new Christians who are being attacked that their new life in Christ has brought them joy, even though things look bad around them. Their happiness wasn’t just a temporary, situation-based surface. Instead, they had been happy to hear the strong message of salvation. This joy did not depend on what was going on in their lives. It was based on the way their Savior lived, on the fact that he was always with them through the Holy Spirit, and on the fact that Jesus could save them.

 

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I want my joy to be unaffected by what’s going on around me. Please give me the power to feel joy through your Holy Spirit. Please bless me as I try to follow my Savior’s example in my life and how I act. Please help me show people around me how to be spiritually happy. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.