The Holy Spirit spoke to me today in my communion time about the importance of choosing to be cheerful regardless of the situation you find yourself in.

“Now first of all no situation should determine how you respond and react to what happens because life events are never to be the determinants of your conduct.”

“Spiritual maturity is birthed when no natural event affects the way we respond in any given situation no matter its impact on us.”

The Holy Spirit reminded me of the Apostle Paul on his journey to Rome in the book of Acts.27 & 28. The circumstances Paul faced were not determined by Paul because if Paul had the choice of events he would not have proceeded on that journey because his foreknowledge of the events coming through the Holy Spirit would have made him not travel at that time to save himself loss.

I am so thankful for the foreknowledge, lifegiving advice and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Since the apostle Paul did not choose the events which went on to happen we could say that if he was angry. He was well within his rights to respond rudely, even abusive and it would have been justifiable. This is because if he had been listened to this level of trauma, hurt including the loss they faced could have been avoided.

We need to put ourselves into the scene of the event. Just think of it: fourteen days being pitch black with no sun or moon or stars not knowing when day broke. In the midst of the sea being tossed in a ship, with that level of hurricane winds. No wonder the others on the ship concluded that any hope of making it out was lost and knew death was inevitable.

In that horrific situation we find Paul still cheerful and bubbly, even offering a solution to the devastating situation by giving hope that they will come out victorious with no loss of life, but only the ship. They went on to land safely on an Island because he had a visitation from an angel of the Lord whom he served faithfully telling him what would go on to happen, even though nothing in the circumstances had changed yet.

Paul chose to remain cheerful and bubbly with great peace in that situation regardless of who caused it because his life was not dependent on what had happened but was hidden in Christ Jesus whom he served. He was convinced that only his relationship with Christ was going to affect his life. Since Jesus said Paul will live, that was going to happen and everything was going to line up with that reality.

As the Holy Spirit pointed out to me this morning we need to choose to be cheerful regardless because nothing can separate us from the love of God working for and in us.

“So we have no need to be depressed, worried and upset by anything because we have endless eternal life working on our behalf so we cannot but succeed because our Lord will bring us out triumphant and victorious.”

“Therefore today as you hear these words of truth, submit to the truth by laying down the lie. Then choose on purpose to be cheerful and bubbly again by allowing the joy of the Lord to spring up in you afresh as you come out of every threatening situation with an outburst of joy unspeakable full of glory.”

“Experience the awesome power of the Most High working for you.”

Rejoice in the Lord and again I say rejoice in the Lord and be consumed in His cheerfulness and say bye bye to sorrow and sighing and watch what the Holy Spirit will do on your behalf that will bring honor and glory to the name of Jesus. Philippians.4:4.

“Remember you have the choice how to respond, so use your choices wisely by being cheerful and bubbly as Paul chose then you will have the same triumphant results for your wise choice in Jesus name. Amen.”