Prayer is a part of my morning routine. Every day, I read one of the meditations by Bill and Beni Johnson from the book Mornings and Evenings in His Presence. This particular meditation really struck me. I consider it the key to a life of fulfillment and freedom. I felt I would just type it here for you, word by word. I hope it will help your transformation into “the most authentic, vibrant version of yourself.”

“Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 AMP

First of all, the will of God is not merely focused on whether we become a doctor or a teacher or whether we’re supposed to have tuna or peanut butter for lunch. It is focused on what we do to position our heart in relationship to God at all times, in all circumstances. Second, rejoicing, praying, and thanksgiving are all acts of our will that, particularly in times of difficulty, weakness, and uncertainty, require faith. They are activities that draw our focus to Heaven so we can agree with what is true, no matter what we feel or perceive with our physical senses and emotions. And since our agreement is what attracts the strength and reality of Heaven into our lives and circumstances, it makes sense that these activities fulfill the will of God expressed in the Lord’s Prayer — on earth as it is in Heaven. The transformation of the heart is the first step in bringing Heaven to earth.

Thank You, God, for the incredible freedom that is found in Your will. Give me the strength to give thanks to You no matter what I am facing.

Because rejoicing, prayer, and thanksgiving attract Heaven, they are vital tools for strengthening ourselves in the Lord. You’ll notice that all of them are meant to be continuously ongoing in our lives. They’re not reserved for crises or holidays. They’re a lifestyle // as are all the tools that we use to minister to ourselves. A big reason for this is that in the midst of crisis and difficulty, it is usually hard if not impossible to sit down and reason out how we should respond. Difficulty has a way of exposing the degree to which our lives and minds have been truly transformed by a heavenly perspective for certain responses to be habitual. The things we practice as a lifestyle equip us for difficulties.

It is not merely for My benefit that I reveal My will for your life. When you live from My will — rejoicing, praying, thanksgiving — you live the most authentic, vibrant version of yourself.