I have learned through the years that when summer hits, I become lazy in my quiet time with God. There’s no Bible study(s) to keep in the Word. There’s no structure to when I meet with other women to talk about God’s Word. In the past it’s been several months of separation from God.

So I’ve learned that staying in routine helps me through the summer. I usually pick up a Bible study that is interesting and I work through that on my own. I continue to wake up early each morning, go straight to Bible study and quiet time with God and then sit at the computer to write my blog post. It’s a good system…as long as I follow the plan.

At this moment, I’m working through Lysa TerKeurst’s Made to Crave Action Plan. Oh how I need this! I believe I have the craving God part down. It’s the eating and moving part that I’m not as good at. So I’ve decided to go for it (yet again) to see if I can lose some weight, feel better and have more energy to serve God in His Kingdom.

In the midst of learning about soluble and insoluble fiber and the difference between fatty acids, Lysa reminded me of a beautiful section of Scripture. “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – NIV)

What I have seemed to miss from these three little verses is the part about God’s will. For me to be in God’s will, what do these verses say I need to do? Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances.

When no joy can be found in my life, or my face doesn’t reflect joy, or when my attitude is just plain lousy, I am outside of God’s will.

When I forget to pray, or when I’m too busy to pray, or maybe too lazy to pray, I am outside of God’s will.

When I am totally engrossed in myself, or I find no reason to be grateful, or when I want more than I already have, I am outside of God’s will.

Wow. Did you see yourself in any of these statements? Perhaps it’s time for an attitude adjustment. A God adjustment!

Let me suggest a few things to help take the focus off you and back on God.

First, if you struggle with prayer time, maybe set an alarm on your phone to remind you to pray. We use our phones to remind us of other things, why not to pray?

Next, you’ve probably heard of Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts. Ms. Voskamp’s thought is to recognize the power of gratitude in every day occurrences and things we encounter. By writing them down, we are able to fully engage in gratitude to God for the gifts He has given.

And finally, in Lysa’s book, she offers this exercise to draw us into a life filled with joy. It’s similar to the exercise above, but instead it is a joy journal. At the top write, “Joy is…” Throughout the day jot down everything that inspires joy. Then review at the end of the day.

In these verses, did you notice the words “always,” “continually,” and “all?” We really must consider them. The instructions given here are not to be done “when we feel like it” or “when everything is going well.” Nope. We are to be filled with joy, pray, and have grateful hearts during the tough times as well. Even during the “ho-hum.”

I don’t know where you are today, but I pray that you will take note of these short words from Thessalonians. I pray that you will consider what they mean in your life. But mostly, I pray that you will be determined to find joy throughout your day, to pray more and to have a heart of gratitude. Remember, it is God’s will for you!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna