Yesterday, whether in groups, or in private, many across the United States, and indeed the world (many of my friends overseas on different continents spoke about it!) celebrated Thanksgiving. Gratitude should be reserved for more than a day...but our lifestyles should be that of rejoicing! And what does it mean to rejoice? rejoice [rəˈjois] VERB feel or show great joy or delight.
The lifestyle of every believer should be to show joy in all circumstances. The Bible speaks of this throughout. Does this mean we need to seek trials and tribulations or hardships? Absolutely not. Because of our broken world, and broken people a part of the former and broken system, the world will, until the return of Christ, always produce hardships, trials, persecutions and tribulations. Why, then should we, as believers, rejoice? Because this world is not our home. We have been saved for something greater...for SOMEONE greater. We will be with the Lord always (1 Thessalonians 4:17). No matter what we face, no matter the trials and hardships, no matter what others may do, we should seek to rejoice, because even when our circumstances are not, God is ALWAYS good. Let us keep focused on Him. A lifestyle of rejoicing will draw out of darkness in to His marvelous light (Isaiah 9:1-2). Rejoice. ALWAYS. Philippians 4:4-13 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Comments