A couple days ago we discovered the answer to the age old question, “What is God’s will for your life?” We learned His will is for us to, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances…” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
This is good news, but I have to admit I have a little problem with that first part -“Rejoice always.” Is Paul serious? Always? Apparently so, because he says it again in Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
This all seems rather extreme, don’t you think? I mean does God really expect me to rejoice when I lose my job, when others insult and persecute me, when my child turns away? How can I possibly rejoice when a loved one dies? That’s asking a little too much, isn’t it?
Jesus Makes the Difference
In our own strength this is impossible, “but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26. Jesus makes the difference. He came that we “may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10. With Jesus in your life, no matter the circumstances, you can “rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 16:22.
Without Jesus in our lives this world is a pretty dark and dreary place, with little hope and little reason to rejoice. But with Jesus we see life through new eyes and, even in the worst of circumstances we find reason for joy. With Jesus:
- If you lose your job you can rejoice, because you know, “…God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19.
- “When people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you…“Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…” Matthew 5:11, 12.
- If a child’s strays you can have hope, because God promises, “I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save.” Isaiah 49:25.
- When trials come your way, “In all this you greatly rejoice….” because you know “These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1Peter 1:6.
- Death is not a permanent “Good-bye”. Instead it becomes,“See you later”, because we know someday soon “…the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17.
“Rejoice always” may seem a ridiculous command from a human perspective, but when we bring Christ into the equation, how can we do anything else?
Invite Jesus into your heart today and your life will never be the same. Sorrow will be turned to joy, despair to hope, and grief to celebration, as you learn for yourself what it means to “Rejoice in the Lord” – Always!
God bless and have a wonderful Sabbath!