Will.

The best thing we can do is to position our hearts in a place where we can experience God.

On rough days stand on what you know to be true instead of being whisked away in a sea of emotions.

Feelings can indicated there is a situation we need to deal with, but they should not dictate how we react.

What we feel is anger, frustration, betrayal, confusion, addiction, hopelessness...what we need is self control. We are not slaves to our feelings-we have a choice.

Choose to be self controlled. Recognize the true enemy. Humbly let God lead.

Crave God, not things of this world.

_Craving God 60 Day Devotional by Lysa TerKeurst_

We are prone to follow our own will.

Prone : likely to or liable to suffer from, experience something-typically something regrettable or unwelcome; lying flat, especially face downward; downward slope or direction.

Lying downward, on a downward slope, suffer and regret. Seems fitting.

Because our personal desires are of a selfish nature, to have success in our relationships-no matter the level of magnitude-it isn't in our best interest to lead.

That speaks volumes to some, and not to others. It means a higher degree of discipline to one, and to another minor adjustments throughout their days.

For me, it's constant.

To shift the focus off of self in my marriage I have to often set aside my frustrations, stubbornness to how I would have handled something, let go of unrealistic expectations and at times, especially in this stage for us, choose love and grace, and pray over passion and connection amongst the busy.

Oddly enough, similar to marriage is my parenting. Like...really similar. Passion and connection are still there, just under a different definition. It's easy to lose that amongst the neediness and fits...not that my kiddos ever throw fits or anything.

So. What does it look like to follow God's will for us?

'Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus.' 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

For this is Gods will for you.

Be joyful. Intentionally look around for measures of joy in each day; joy is a choice we make, not a feeling we hope to get from our circumstances.

Be prayerful. Focus your thoughts, struggles, confusion, etc. on God through prayer.

Be thankful. Gods activity can be seen much more readily when we focus on what we do have rather than what we don't.

Everyone has different views. Different opinions. I know not everyone will agree. But I wouldn't be true to my faith if I didn't stand by it.

TerKeurst is to credit majority of the words above. Through reading her words, I feel God aiming at and building me up each day in areas of struggle-either known or unknown at the time.

We need to challenge ourselves to rise above the norm. Not let our feelings lead us. Show self control in areas where it's too often dismissed. Align ourselves in faith and love-but not disregard truth.

These days to come we may feel defeated and hopeless. The days ahead are unknown. Yet Gods promise is, and has been, well known. Let it be well known and true for you.