“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:19-20).

Charlene woke up in a sour mood. She had gone to bed the night before fretting about the situations in her life. She felt like everything was going wrong for her. Even though she had asked the Lord Jesus to be her Savior, Charlene was often moody. The disappointments in her life became her focus so that she missed many of the ways that God was blessing her. Laverne awakened with a spiritual song on her lips. Her arthritis made it very difficult to get out of bed, but she was still joyful. She often sang to the Lord throughout her day. Though she didn’t live in denial, pretending that everything was fine, she did have the joy of the Lord in her heart and a song of thanksgiving to the Lord on her lips. Would those around you say that you are like one or the other of these ladies? Which one? The choice is up to you.

For today: In spite of our hardships, think of our encouragements! I want to give thanks always unto the Father in Jesus’ name. How about you?