However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you]. And when He comes, He will convict and convince the world and bring demonstration to it about sin and about righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God) and about judgment.

John 16:7-8 (AMPC)

Years ago, I sat at a table with six public speakers. All of them had been in the ministry longer than I had, but God had given me more outward success than the others.

As the conversation went on, I realized I was doing most of the talking—telling one story after another. They all smiled, and no one acted as if they resented my dominating.

Afterward, I thought about my behavior. I had done nothing wrong, but I realized I had controlled the conversation, and I felt the Holy Spirit convict me. Although I wasn’t aware of it at the time, in retrospect, I realized that I had been rude and selfish by dominating the conversation. Taking control—that’s what I had done. Perhaps I was insecure and didn’t want them to see me as anything but confident and able. I may have talked too much because I was nervous with my peers. Perhaps I was just so full of myself that all I wanted to do was talk about myself, and what I was doing. A truly loving person is interested in others and always draws them into the conversation. I realize now that I wasn’t operating in love back in those days.

Most of the time, I stayed so busy talking about myself and my ministry that I never faced what was wrong inside me. I felt a little nudge from the Holy Spirit frequently, but I never really stopped to pay much attention.

Instead of looking at our own shortcomings and failures, we often focus on other people and what we think is wrong with them. That’s easier and less painful. As long as we can keep the focus on other people, we don’t have to examine our own hearts.

It’s not calculated, and I’m sure most of us are not aware of the reasons for our being negative. That’s also why negativity is so difficult to deal with. We undermine Satan’s attempt to establish a stronghold in our minds when we admit, “God, I’m a pessimistic person.” That’s the beginning.

Then we cry out to the Holy Spirit to search our hearts. Jesus said of Him, . . . He will convict and convince the world and bring demonstration to it about sin and about righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God) and about judgment (John 16:8). Too often, we read the word world and smile. Yes, that’s for those sinners, those people who don’t know Jesus. That’s true, but it’s only partially true, because we also live in the world.

We—God’s people—need that conviction, as well. We need the Holy Spirit to probe deeply inside us and help us grasp why we’re afflicted with negative thinking. We probably know many nonbelievers who are naturally optimistic, and who never speak badly about others. Satan already has control of their minds, so he doesn’t even tempt them to be negative.

Think of it this way: Satan attacks us where we’re weak. Perhaps this will help explain what I mean. More than 100 years ago, William Sheldon began to study human body types and classified them as distinct types. His research indicated that all of us are prone toward certain types of physical diseases. Those with the pear-shaped figure are more prone to heart problems and high blood pressure. I have a rail-thin friend, and when she gets sick, she comes down with a lung infection or bronchitis. She’s in her seventies, has a healthy heart, and is otherwise healthy—but she has weak lungs.

Let’s apply that principle to the spiritual realm. All of us have weaknesses—some of us are prone to pessimism, some to lying or gossip, others are by nature more deceptive. It’s not which person is worse, because all of us have our own weaknesses to conquer. We need the Holy Spirit to point out these shortcomings. Just because those are the natural places for Satan’s attacks doesn’t mean we can do nothing about them. Only as the Spirit convicts us can He deliver us from satanic attacks. That’s why Jesus sent the Holy Spirit—the Helper—because He helps us in our vulnerable places.

Prayer of the Day: Father God, forgive me for thinking I can deliver myself. Don’t allow Satan to take advantage of my vulnerability but deliver me so that I may be more fully given to You and used by You. I ask this through the name of my Savior, Jesus, amen.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Matthew 26:41 (AMPC)

Suppose you knew your house was surrounded by enemy agents and at any moment they might break through the door and attack you. Do you think you would be inclined to stay awake and watch the door?

What would you do if for some reason you couldn’t stay awake and watch? Wouldn’t you make sure someone else in the family was awake and alerted to the danger?

You need to be just as careful to guard against any potential attacks from the enemy of your soul. The devil is out to get you, and you must watch and pray at all times, asking God to help you when you feel weak.

Ask God to provide the strength you need to overcome any temptation the devil brings your way. Guard your heart and take every thought captive.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, please strengthen me to remain vigilant against spiritual attacks, guard my heart and thoughts through Your Word and prayer.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], but the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.

Proverbs 16:9 (AMP)

People often ask me how they can determine God’s will for their lives. Many people spend years waiting to hear a voice or to receive a supernatural sign giving them direction. But receiving direction from God is usually more practical than that. So my advice is: Step out and find out.

Early in my Christian life, I wanted to serve God but didn’t know exactly what to do. When different opportunities would arise, I would try those things that were available. A lot of them didn’t work out for me, but I kept trying until I found an area that fit me. I came alive inside when I had an opportunity to teach the Word of God, and I knew that was what I was supposed to do.

Sometimes the only way to discover the will of God is to practice “stepping out and finding out.” If you have prayed about a situation and don’t seem to know what you should do, take a step of faith. Even if that is not God’s ultimate destination, it will be another step toward the fulfillment of His will for your life.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me not to fear making mistakes. I know You know my heart and You know whether or not my motives are pure. Please help me step out in faith and trust You to guide me, amen.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

…I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

John 16:23-24 (NIV)

When our youngest son was still in school, sometimes people stayed with him when Dave and I traveled. In order for them to get medical treatment for him if it was ever needed, we had to sign a legal document stating they had the right to use our names on our son’s behalf—literally to make decisions in our place.

This is exactly what Jesus did for His disciples and, ultimately, for all who would believe in Him—He gave us the right to use His name when we go to God in prayer. When we pray in His name, it is the same as if He were praying. This privilege seems almost too wonderful to believe! But we can believe it because we have Scripture to back it up.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, thank You for the privilege and power that comes with praying in the name of Jesus! It’s almost too good to be true! Thank You, amen.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father….

James 1:17 (AMPC)

You were created to have a deep, intimate, personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ and the very best life He came to offer.

Acts 10:34 (AMPC) says, God shows no partiality and is no respecter of persons. This means His promises apply equally to everyone who follows Him. Yes, you can have the very best God offers, but you can’t give up when times get tough. If you’ll trust God and follow Him wholeheartedly, you will discover your best life in Him.

God has a great purpose for you, and I urge you not to settle for anything less. He wants to bless you and give you a life that will not only thrill you, fulfill you, and bring you deep joy and sweet satisfaction but also challenge you, stretch you and help you discover that, in Christ, you’re stronger than you think.

Prayer of the Day: Heavenly Father, thank You for creating me uniquely with a special purpose. Help me embrace who I am, love myself as You love me, and fulfill the life You’ve planned for me, amen.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

How long will you sleep, O sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep?

Proverbs 6:9 (AMPC)

Too much activity and no rest definitely is the culprit behind most stress, but no activity is also a problem. I am sure you have heard that exercise is a great stress reliever, and it is very true. I would rather be physically tired from exercise and movement than tired in my soul from doing nothing and being bored.

Work is good for all of us. As a matter of fact, God said we should work six days and rest one. That shows how important work and activity are in God’s eyes. God has created us to work, not to sit idly by and do nothing. There are several good stories in the Bible about people who had serious problems and when they asked Jesus for help He told them to “Get up!”

In the fifth chapter of John we see one example. A man was crippled, and he lay by the pool of Bethesda for 38 years waiting for his miracle. When Jesus came to the man and asked him how long he had been in that condition, the man gave the length of time and then continued to tell Jesus how he had nobody to put him into the pool at the right time and how others always got ahead of him. Jesus told the man to get up! pick up your bed…and walk! (John 5:8).

Get up and start doing whatever you can do to clean up the messes in your life. If they are marriage messes, then do your part. Don’t worry about what your spouse is not doing; just do your part and God will reward you. If you have a financial mess, then stop spending and start paying off your debts. Get an extra job for a period of time if you need to. If you are not able to do that, then ask God to show you what you can do. Remember, “If you do what you can do, then God will do what you cannot do.”

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me take action in my life. Help me to step up to work with purpose, trust You for the rest, and honor Your design for balance, amen.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV)

Psalm 56 begins with David crying out to God because his enemies are in hot pursuit of him and all day long they press their attack (v. 1). In the midst of such pressure, David declares to God: When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. Notice that he says when I am afraid, not if I am afraid. This tells me that David accepts the fact that fear is a human emotion; we all experience fear to some degree at some time. But he adds, I put my trust in you. He did not trust himself or other people; he trusted God alone. David lived boldly and courageously because he knew God was always with him. We can live this same way. We can choose not to live according to the fear we feel, but according to God’s Word.

Years ago, God taught me to use what I call the “power twins” to help me defeat fear in my life. They are “I pray” and “I say.” When I feel fear, I begin to pray and ask for God’s help; then I say, “I will not fear!” I encourage you to also use these power twins as soon as you feel fear about anything. This will help you manage the emotion of fear instead of allowing it to control you.

Prayer of the Day: When I am afraid, Lord, I will trust in You. I will pray for Your help and declare, “I will not fear!”

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

Proverbs 14:29 (ESV)

Most of us could find a reason each day to be angry with someone or about something. Life is filled with imperfections and injustices, but anger doesn’t solve them. It only makes us miserable. The Word of God instructs us not to let the sun go down on our anger, because if we do, we give the devil a foothold in our lives (Ephesians 4:26–27).

Anger is an emotion that can and should be controlled. Love is not touchy or easily offended, but it is long-suffering and generous in mercy. One of the best ways to stay happy is to avoid anger. According to the writer of today’s scripture, the person who is hasty to become angry is foolish, but the one who is slow to anger is wise and has great understanding.

If you are angry with anyone, I urge you to completely forgive that person. By doing so, you will set yourself free to enjoy the day. Remember that anger doesn’t make any situation better; it only makes you miserable.

Prayer of the Day: Father, help me to be slow to get angry and always quick to forgive. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.

John 2:25 (NIV)

When Jesus’ disciples disappointed Him, He was not devastated, because He already knew and fully understood human nature, as today’s scripture teaches us. A major reason people get upset and disappointed in relationships is that they have unrealistic expectations of others. We should expect the best from people, but at the same time we should remember that they are human beings with imperfections, just as we are.

People tend to want perfection in others. They want the perfect spouse, perfect friend, perfect family, perfect neighbors, perfect coworkers, perfect pastor, and so on. But perfect people don’t exist. Only Jesus is perfect. As long as we live in earthly bodies, we will manifest imperfection. God knows this, so His Word teaches us how to handle people who irritate or disappoint us. Among other things, we are to be loving (John 13:34), forgiving (Luke 17:1–4), and kind (Ephesians 4:32), and we should bear patiently with people (Colossians 3:13).

People are not perfect and expecting them to be without fault only leads to frustration. Instead, we need to have realistic expectations of others and set our minds to be patient and merciful toward them with God’s help, as we would want them to be toward us.

It is important to expect good things to happen in your life while also knowing that no person and no situation is perfect. When we find ourselves growing frustrated with people, we should realize that our attitude in these trying situations greatly hinders our enjoyment of life. We can be realistic and still have a positive attitude as we deal with our own imperfections and those of the people around us.

Prayer of the Day: Holy Spirit, help me not to set unrealistic expectations only to be disappointed. Help me to be realistic while also staying positive about myself and those around me.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

For you are still [unspiritual, having the nature] of the flesh [under the control of ordinary impulses]. For as long as [there are] envying and jealousy and wrangling and factions among you, are you not unspiritual and of the flesh, behaving yourselves after a human standard and like mere (unchanged) men?

1 Corinthians 3:3 (AMPC)

Paul teaches in today’s scripture that we are unspiritual if we are controlled by ordinary human impulses, such as emotions and feelings. Are you in control of your emotions, or do they control you? Feelings are fickle and ever-changing, and thus unreliable. I believe the number one way the enemy harasses and tries to hinder Christians is through our emotions.

We cannot always control how we feel, but we can control what we do. Mature Christians don’t walk by feelings; they order their conduct according to God’s Word. Emotions are fueled by our thoughts and words, so it is necessary to pay attention to what we think and say if we hope to walk by the Spirit instead of our emotions. What is right doesn’t change just because we don’t feel like doing it. People who are spiritually mature live beyond their feelings and do God’s will no matter how they feel.

Paul specifically mentions jealousy and factions (dissension or strife) as indicators of a lack of spiritual maturity. Ask God to help you in these areas. Be content with what you have, not jealous of others, knowing that God will give you more when the time is right. Do your best to live in peace with all people.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me to control my emotions and live according to Your Word. Help me continue to grow in spiritual maturity and live in peace.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

For you are still [unspiritual, having the nature] of the flesh [under the control of ordinary impulses]. For as long as [there are] envying and jealousy and wrangling and factions among you, are you not unspiritual and of the flesh, behaving yourselves after a human standard and like mere (unchanged) men?

1 Corinthians 3:3 (AMPC)

Paul teaches in today’s scripture that we are unspiritual if we are controlled by ordinary human impulses, such as emotions and feelings. Are you in control of your emotions, or do they control you? Feelings are fickle and ever-changing, and thus unreliable. I believe the number one way the enemy harasses and tries to hinder Christians is through our emotions.

We cannot always control how we feel, but we can control what we do. Mature Christians don’t walk by feelings; they order their conduct according to God’s Word. Emotions are fueled by our thoughts and words, so it is necessary to pay attention to what we think and say if we hope to walk by the Spirit instead of our emotions. What is right doesn’t change just because we don’t feel like doing it. People who are spiritually mature live beyond their feelings and do God’s will no matter how they feel.

Paul specifically mentions jealousy and factions (dissension or strife) as indicators of a lack of spiritual maturity. Ask God to help you in these areas. Be content with what you have, not jealous of others, knowing that God will give you more when the time is right. Do your best to live in peace with all people.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me to control my emotions and live according to Your Word. Help me continue to grow in spiritual maturity and live in peace.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMPC)

“I’ve always had a bad temper. That’s just the way I am.” “I’m a straightforward person. That’s who I am, and that’s how people need to accept me.” “I call things as I see them. I don’t sugarcoat anything.”

This list could go on endlessly, but the one thing these excuses have in common is that each is meant to justify the people being the way they are. It’s a way of resisting change.

It’s also a way for Satan to creep into our minds. The great deceiver tells us that we’re not rude—we are just being honest, and people need to respect that quality in us. We think we speak the truth as we see it, and we’re not cowards or hypocrites. If the devil can convince us that we don’t have to change—that we’re fine exactly the way we are—he has won a serious battle in our lives.

In fact, the devil can give us a lot of excuses for not changing. That may be the problem. If he convinces us that other people are at fault because “they are just too sensitive” or “they don’t want to hear the truth and face reality,” we don’t feel responsible, and we think we’re all right.

Another thing is that no matter how negative we may be in our thinking, most of us wouldn’t call ourselves “negative.” We prefer words like logical, realistic, forthright, or candid. Not facing the truth about ourselves is part of Satan’s deceptive work.

When I went through a period of extreme negativity, I wouldn’t have thought of myself as being negative. I was just being honest. If I saw something wrong, I spoke up. I offered my counsel on ways for people to change. I could see the weaknesses and problems of others, and I was quite happy to show them how they could overcome. On my worst days, I found things wrong with all my friends and everything they did. I didn’t have to look for things to criticize—I did it without effort. I didn’t consider it negative because I thought I was merely trying to be helpful. It never occurred to me in my prideful state that people didn’t really want my help. They wanted acceptance and encouragement, not judgment and criticism.

As I said, I never thought of myself as being negative—that is, until God dealt with me and convicted me.

I’m not trying to condemn anyone for being negative, frank, blunt, candid, or whatever term you may use for it, because condemning is in itself being negative. Instead, I want to help believers recognize their attitude problems and help them realize that God is able to deliver them.

We start the Christian life as new creations of God. Our past is wiped away. The Christian life is one of change—of growth—of moving onward.

The pathway to freedom begins when we face our problems and face them without excuses. “Yes, I’m negative, but if you had come from the kind of family, I did, you’d—”

Stop! No excuses. We know what we were in the past, but we also know that we don’t have to remain that way now or in the future. With the help of Jesus Christ, we can have our minds renewed according to the Word of God.

The most difficult part may be to say to God, “I’m a negative person, but I want to change.” Remember that a negative mind produces a negative life. You’ve probably tried to change yourself many times in the past, but it didn’t work. Now you can begin to win the battle over Satan’s stronghold by admitting who you are and acknowledging that you must depend on God to change you.

Prayer of the Day: Father God, forgive me for all my negative thinking. You want me to be loving and filled with Your joy. Help me so that Satan has no stronghold over my mind. Please destroy every negative aspect of my thinking, through Jesus my Lord, amen.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6:34 (AMPC)

Most of us have enough to handle today without worrying about tomorrow. God will give you grace for today, but He will not give you grace for tomorrow until tomorrow arrives.

So often people worry about something that never happens. When you begin to think about the “what ifs,” the door opens for fear and worry. Some people worry so much that their worries become fear, and often the things people fear manifest in their life.

Do not allow yourself to dread tomorrow. Just know that God is faithful. It is comforting to know that whatever tomorrow may hold, He holds tomorrow. His grace is sufficient to meet the need. Do not waste today’s grace by worrying about tomorrow. Live one day at a time and you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish for Christ.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me trust You fully, release my anxieties, and embrace each day’s blessings without fear of the future.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

So we are Christ’s ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were through us. We [as Christ’s personal representatives] beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you] and be reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20 (AMPC)

One time while I was reading about a famous minister and his great faith, I was deeply impressed by all the wonderful things he did in his ministry. I thought, Lord, I know I’m called, but I could never do anything like that. Just that quickly, I sensed the Lord speak to my heart, “Why not? Aren’t you as big a mess as anybody else?”

You see, we often have it backward. We think God is looking for people who “have it all together.” But that is not true. The Word of God says that God in His grace and favor chooses the weak and foolish things of the world in order to confound the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27). He is looking for those who will humble themselves and allow Him to work His will through them.

If you will be careful not to get prideful, the Lord can use you just as mightily as any of the other great men and women of God. He doesn’t choose us because we are able, but simply because we are available. That too is part of God’s grace and favor that He pours out upon us when He chooses us to be Christ’s personal ambassadors.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me embrace Your grace and recognize that You choose to use me despite my weaknesses. Help me remain humble and available for Your will to work through me, amen.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

The Lord said to Abram after Lot had left him, Lift up now your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward.

Genesis 13:14 (AMPC)

In Genesis 13, we see that Abram (whom God later renamed Abraham) had a good attitude—a generous and giving attitude— toward his nephew, Lot. Abram had a right to the land, but he told Lot to choose his portion, and Lot chose the best land for himself. God then told Abram to look from the place where he was. God didn’t say to look at where he was; He said to look from it—beyond it—to all God had in store for him. God had a plan for Abram, even though he had just experienced great loss.

Anytime you need encouragement, you can turn to Jeremiah 29:11 and get it: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (NIV). God wants you to have hope. He’s got a good plan for your life.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me to trust in Your plans for my life. Even when faced with loss, give me hope and the faith to see beyond my current situation, amen.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

The children of Your servants shall dwell safely and continue, and their descendants shall be established before You.

Psalm 102:28 (AMPC)

For many people, their security, peace, and joy are connected to their circumstances. If things are going well, they feel loved, but if they are not going well, then they think God doesn’t love them or that they are being punished for some sin they committed.

We are called to be led by the Word of God and the Spirit, especially concerning our thought life. We are not to be led by our soul (mind, will, and emotions). We may not be able to control what thoughts pop into our minds or what feelings arise in our hearts, but we can control what we do with those thoughts or feelings. We can be led by the Holy Spirit.

We don’t have to let negative, destructive feelings rule our lives; instead, we can take authority over our emotions, submit them to God, and choose to stand on the Word of God.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me to trust in Your Word and Spirit, not in my circumstances or emotions. Guide my thoughts and feelings to align with Your peace and love. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, amen.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Be merciful and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You; yes, in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed.

Psalm 57:1 (AMPC)

Life isn’t one big, long sunny day. At some point, we all face storms—whether they come in the form of unexpected illness, job loss, financial crisis, marital difficulties, problems with children, or any number of other scenarios that are stressful, intense, and important. I have faced many storms in my life—some like the quick afternoon storms that are common in summertime and some that seemed like category four hurricanes. If I have learned anything about weathering the storms of life, I have learned that they don’t last forever, and that, if at all possible, I do not need to make major decisions in the midst of them.

When the storms of life arise, it’s best to keep your mind and emotions as still as possible. Thoughts and feelings often run wild in the midst of crises, but those are exactly the times we need to be careful about making decisions. We must remain calm and discipline ourselves to focus on doing what we can do and trusting God to do what we cannot do.

Next time you face a storm or crisis in your life, I hope you’ll remember these words, which I often say: “Let your emotions subside before you decide.” Do your best to let things settle down before you make major decisions. You may not always have that choice, but as much as possible, put significant decisions on hold until your storm passes. Just as the wind blows about wildly during a storm, our thoughts can become quite wild and frantic, and that is not the best time to make major decisions.

Making this commitment will protect you from making quick, unwise decisions that could take you off the course God has for you.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me stay calm in the middle of life’s storms. Teach me to wait for clarity before making decisions, as I You to guide me through the crisis, amen.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

The hope of the [uncompromisingly] righteous (the upright, in right standing with God) is gladness, but the expectation of the wicked (those who are out of harmony with God) comes to nothing.

Proverbs 10:28 (AMPC)

We can be thankful that it is God’s will for us to enjoy the life He has provided. The joy of the Lord is our strength. With that knowledge, we can make the decision to enjoy life every day.

Enjoying life does not mean we have something exciting going on all the time; it simply means enjoying the simple, everyday things. Most of life is rather ordinary, but we are supernaturally equipped with the power of God to live ordinary, everyday life in an extraordinary way.

Yes, it takes God’s power to enjoy life because all of life is not easy. Many things happen that we do not plan, and some of them are difficult. But Jesus said, “Cheer up, I have overcome the world and deprived it of the power to harm you” (see John 16:33).

Prayer of the Day: Father, when I am faced with a difficult situation, help me to choose joy in spite of my circumstance. I thank You that Your joy is my strength each and every day.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.

Isaiah 55:8 (AMP)

We want things to work out in our lives in certain ways, but experience teaches us that we don’t always get what we want. We have a plan for the day, and suddenly something unexpected and unwanted happens—and our plan must change. At times like this, we can choose to trust God or to be upset.

Since being upset won’t change anything, why waste time doing it? Choose to trust that God can work out the change for your good and do something even better than what you had planned. Ask Him for anything you want to ask Him for but trust Him to give you what is best.

Prayer of the Day: Father, thank You for directing my life according to Your plan, not mine. In Jesus’ name, amen.

http://www.joycemeyer.org

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.

Ephesians 4:26 (NIV)

No one will ever reach a point in life where they don’t experience a wide variety of feelings. One of those is anger. Being angry causes many people to feel guilt and condemnation because they have the false idea that Christians should not be angry but be peaceful all the time.

Yet the Bible doesn’t teach that we are never to feel anger. It teaches that when we do get angry, we are not to sin. Rather, we are to manage or control our anger properly.

God gave me a revelation about this verse one time when I had been angry at my husband, Dave, as I was about to leave home to go preach. Guilt and condemnation whispered to me, How can you go out and preach to others after getting so angry this morning?

Of course, I was still angry, so even that question bothered me. But God caused me to understand that anger is just an emotion. Like all emotions, God gave it to us for a reason. Without the capacity to become angry, we would never know when someone mistreats us. We feel appropriate indignation when others suffer injustice. Without anger, we wouldn’t be moved to act or take a stand against wrongdoing and evil. Anger, like pain, is there to warn us that something is wrong. This motivates us to try to make it right or improve the situation.

As with all emotions, Satan tries to use and abuse our anger and lead us into sin. But we have the power to resist him.

Prayer of the Day: Help me, God, to manage my anger wisely, in a positive way so I will not sin. Show me how to manage my emotions in a way that honors You.

http://www.joycemeyer.org