Happy Monday morning! I’m glad you’re here. 

Can we do a quick summer check-in? How is your summer going? Do you feel like you’re living your best life, hitting up the pool, going to the community baseball games, visiting your local farmer’s market and spending time in the sun? Or does it feel like this summer has been full of unexpected challenges, unforeseen frustrations and big or little inconveniences? Maybe a mix of both? 

Regardless of our circumstances, we as Jesus-followers are called to be joyful, to be a light on a hill. We get to (not have to but get to) use all situations to point others to Jesus; and yes, others will watch us. They will see us in the easy joyful times, and they will see us in the struggle. How we respond in both environments will either draw people closer to Jesus or push them in the opposite direction.

Our challenge for today is to lean into the joy, no matter what circumstance you find yourself in. In the good times and in the hard times, there’s always joy to be found, even if it’s just saying, “This is hard, but Jesus is right here with me and because of Him, I’m thankful and joyful.”

Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Photo credit: Mohamed Nohassi via Unsplash.com