Rejoice Always!

Isn't easy to say "Be Happy" when everything is going our way? How much will power does it take to say that when things are so great? I've been pondering these final instructions that Paul wrote in his first letter to the Thessalonians. " Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thess. 5:16-18. This is God's will. Why was Paul telling the Thessalonians this? Why do I feel that the Lord is trying to tell me this also in the letters of each moment as I acknowledge the Holy Spirit sweetly drifting around me? Lord, You are so near! Why do sometimes Your words feel so far away? It's puzzling for me to try to understand, yet I know that by my own strength, I am unable to grasp the mystery of God and His wondrous ways He chooses to work in our lives.
So, rejoice always. I want to rejoice always. I want to be joyful always. I think at this moment, I have led myself to believe that being happy means being joyful. A part of me is convinced, and was convinced from the start, that this is not true. I know joy come from the Lord. As long as I have His Joy within me, then I can and will be joyful! I have the depth of comfort and hope in my Savior that He holds all things together. That is a great joy! But Jesus...were you smiling all the time? Did you have a perpetual plastered on grin everywhere you walked and taught? I cannot believe that You did, oh Lord, and I know that You are perfect!
I just want to trust in You, Lord, to help me let go of my need to reason out this confusion, or worry, about being cheerful versus being joyful. I am so thankful, and I give You, the Lord, thanks always for all You've done for me and the world. And especially now, the blessing of my Nathan in my life. God, how could I not thank You for being so kind and gracious and good, too good to me? Wow!!!
May the struggle I am going through now be a blessing and testimony for Your Glory later, especially with those who may experience the same emotions. Our Lord is so wonderful to allow us to learn, so that He may use us to teach others, to be a blessing to those seeking answers. And He's marked us with His Righteousness, we have the answer. He is the answer...to all questions.