“To bless God for mercies is the way to increase them; to bless Him for miseries is the way to remove them.”
William Dyer

One of the most precious gifts we have from our Creator is the power of choice. I was reminded of that as I read the quote above this morning.

We can choose what we eat, where we go, etc. But we can also choose how we feel, how we react, and what do with the events around us. I know that, but I need to constantly remind myself.

I can choose to feel blessed by miseries. Yes, blessed. Does that mean I always do? No. But as I look around at those in my life, I see countless examples after which to model my choices. Individuals and families, who despite the challenges and “miseries” still bless Him for the very things that have destroyed so many others or at least driven them from God. Even more examples are in His Word.

Maybe reflecting on that is in the forefront of my mind as I continue reading ‘The Shack’.

I have always felt confident in my own ability to see miseries as blessings, but I need constant prayer that that continues to be the case. For I know not the days ahead. And I need to pray that for all of those whom God shares with me. To offer them encouragement. Our Comforter and Friend has given to each of us the ability to see misery as blessing. Closed doors as opportunities. We each have the strength to choose.

CHOOSE JOY.

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13)