Big Idea Of This Series: This four-week series begins with a premise rooted in 1 Thessalonians 5:14–22, which instructs us to rejoice, pray, and be thankful in every circumstance. That is a challenging command! Can we really rejoice always? Look around. Life is full of messy and difficult situations, over many of which we have little control. This series examines how to find strength in the Lord, practice gratitude, embrace lament, and find support in our community to endure whatever life throws at us with a joyful heart. Lament: To express deep regret, grief, or sorrow. Psalms 13:1-5 NLT O LORD, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way?How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand?Turn and answer me, O LORD my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!” Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. Joy: A deep feeling of great happiness, pleasure, or contentment. Lament & Joy Go Hand In Hand Psalms 51:1-2 NLT Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. Psalms 86:15 NLT But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Psalms 13:6 NLT I will sing to the LORD because he is good to me. I can trust God with today and tomorrow because I'm thankful for how He showed up yesterday.