Rejoice!

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

Many times throughout the Scriptures, we’re told to be joyful, even when we don’t feel like it, because we are so blessed. Paul told the Philippian Christ followers to, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ” It’s almost like he thought they wouldn’t get it the first time; “Rejoice. I repeat, REJOICE!” 

Our fallen nature often takes its mind off God’s true word and turns it toward the ups and downs of life. The other day I asked a guy, “How’s it going?” He said, “Life stinks right now!” 

So, what stinking thing is happening to you that keeps your heart from rejoicing in the Lord? Perhaps a loved one has passed away. Maybe that bully is picking on you again. Have you been marginalized because of your faith in Christ? There is a myriad of joy-sappers in this world. And when we find ourselves wrapped up in the middle of them, our old nature tends to lose sight of God’s great love for us.

The trouble with listening to our old nature, especially when it comes to the trials and tribulations we face, is that it is routinely and drastically wrong. Instead of listening to the flesh, hear Jesus speak in the pages of your Bible. You have a reason to be joyful regardless of the garbage that life, or others, dish out. He is our Savior. Through His sovereign work of redemption on the cross and His powerful resurrection, you have been forgiven all your sins. If that were all, it would be enough for decades of rejoicing. But wait, there’s more! He has made you His own dear child. He is preparing a place for you in heaven, the comforts of which far outweigh the earthly troubles you have now. 

In His great Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that blessed people [you and me] are meek and merciful. Blessed people are pure in heart and peacemakers. Why, you ask? Because ours is the kingdom of heaven. 

Give praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. Those blessings come from the heavenly world. They belong to us because we belong to Christ. Ephesians 1:3 [New International Reader’s Version]