Rejoice Always – August 21, 2022

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4

Rejoice Always

Can we really feel joy in our hearts when we are troubled by past sins? Can we rejoice when we or those whom we love are facing life’s sharp edges of unemployment, financial problems, sickness, uncertainty, pain, and death? How can we rejoice under some of the harsh circumstances we face in life?

The Bible answers, “Rejoice in the Lord.” Our joy as Christians is changeless because it is based on the One who never changes. Unlike people and possessions and positions of power, God never changes. He loves us just as much today as the day he was nailed to the cross for us. He is just as powerful today as the day he defeated death for us.

Your job may have changed. Relationships you have with others may have changed. The sense of security and satisfaction that you once had may have changed. But your God hasn’t changed. And neither has your reason for rejoicing.

In the Lord, outward circumstances do not and should not determine the condition of our hearts. Even when everything around us is dark and gloomy, God’s changeless love fills our hearts with joy. That inner joy flows from sure promises of the gospel: the joy of daily forgiveness, the joy that God is with us, the joy that God works out all things for our good, the joy that Jesus is returning again to take us to be with him in heaven.

Reflect on that joy today as you think how greatly God loves you through Jesus. And then REJOICE! ALWAYS!

Prayer:
Lord, amid the difficulties and disappointments of my life, shine through to my heart with the largeness of your love. Thank you for choosing me to be your own and giving me a changeless and incomparable joy in you, my Savior. Amen.