Rejoice!

“Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:18 KJV link to Scripture) 

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”  (Philippians 4:4 KJV link to Scripture) 

To those who do not have a growing and abiding relationship with Jesus, seeing joyful Christians is confusing.  It is difficult for people to understand joy in the midst of the most difficult times of life.  Amazingly, those enduring persecution because of their faith in Jesus are joyful.  It’s clear that persecution causes growth of the Christian faith, rather than death.   

Being rightly related to Jesus gives us the strength to keep on keeping on, when we’d rather curl up and hide.  It keeps our attitude positive and our hearts soft.  Paul had this type of presence in his letter to the Philippians, which he wrote from prison. 

There are many examples in the persecuted church of individuals finding strength and joy in the Lord no matter what the circumstances.  Likewise, there are scores of examples throughout history of men, women, boys, and girls who have rejoiced in the most ominous of circumstances. 

It’s because of my relationship with the Lord that I was able to assist with Confirmation class the evening of my mom’s Celebration of Life service.  My relationship with the Lord, in addition, to the caring presence of many brothers and sisters in the Lord gave me the strength to walk through many difficult days and long nights of my mom’s illness.  It’s also what helped me to keep moving and to get all the things done that need to be done following her home-going. 

Moreover, I continue to live my daily life in that relationship.  There are times—more than I’d like to admit that I fail miserably, yet each day I discover the Lord’s mercies are new.  Great is His faithfulness (link to text)!

Like Paul, we can find reason to rejoice even in the most traumatic circumstances.  If we can keep our eyes focused on Jesus we won’t get off course attitudinally, and if we do, we’ll realize it and make the necessary corrections.         

Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of Yourself that brought us back into a right relationship with our Heavenly Father.  Empower us to rejoice in all things because of You—both in the good and in the bad.  Grant us the courage and strength to be joyful even in the most difficult of times.  In Your precious name, we pray, Amen.

From my heart to yours,

Kim

Enjoy this link to the worship/praise chorus Rejoice in the Lord Always click here for worship video