Despair or Praise
Every morning when we awake, we have a choice. Am I going to be joyful today or am I going to mope through the day feeling sad and focusing on all the things that are wrong in our world.
Isaiah 61:1-3 says “He has sent me…to bestow on them…a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair”.

In Angela Thomas’s book “Choosing Joy”, she says” We fall into despair when we forget. When we forget who we belong to and how powerful our God is. When the ways of evil seem to be winning and we forget that the victory has already been won by the Son of God, Jesus Christ.”

In this scripture God promises to exchange despair for praise. But how in the world, with everything that is going on right now, can we do that?! Especially when we are discouraged, mourning the loss of a loved one, or experiencing any of the issues we face today. Here are some suggestions for us to start:
1. Pray! Give God your despair.
2. Believe in His Word! We have been given the truth. Believe it!
3. Remember who Jesus is and Who you belong to. “I am the Way, the Truth and the Light”
John 14:6
If ever we need to wear garments of praise and be filled with joy, these would be the days. So let’s make the exchange!! Despair for praise!

Prayer
Dear Lord. We come to you with grateful hearts for all the ways you have blessed us. Thank you for being a God of love Who knows us and cares about our every need and concern.

Help us to give you our fears, our despair and our aching hearts so that we may exchange it for praise.

Forgive us when we fail to live within your will for us. May we exude the joy that comes from knowing and loving you. In your Holy Name . Amen