Be joyful always!

Be joyful always!

 

That's the simple message of 1 Thessalonians 5:16.

 

Here's the verse in its context: 

"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

Joy is different from happiness.  Joy is not dependent on our circumstances.

It is possible to be full of joy ALWAYS--no matter how great or how awful

our circumstances seem to be.

We CAN be joyful, we CAN give thanks,

because our Father can be trusted to accomplish His will

in our lives--in all circumstances.   

 

Here are several ways to remember these words...

 

Print 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 sheet music

Listen to the song

(Laura and Megan recorded this with me when they were 5 and 4.)

Listen to the melody (midi file)

Sing along (midi file)

Print coloring pages

1 Thessalonians 5:16

1 Thessalonians 5:17

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Are you full of joy today? 

Psalm 56:3-4

"When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" Psalm 56:3-4, NIV

I wrote this melody when my oldest girls were five and four.  You can hear four-year-old Megan in the MP3.  Megan is 17 now, and she's helping me with blog graphics.  She designed the "pin" above.  Thanks, Megan!

Psalm 56:3-4 sheet music

Listen to the song  

Sing along with piano accompaniment