Some days it is very easy to rejoice. Vacation, birthdays, job promotions, new members being born into the family, and other joyful occasions all make us smile. It's easy to be happy when things are falling into place and there is no hardship. BUT- What about when things are tough--a job is lost, a loved one is ill, someone you dearly loved has passed away, or you are going through a trial of life? Is it really possible to rejoice then, when your world is falling apart? The answer is a paradox-- yes!
According to Webster's Dictionary, the definition of rejoice is, "To give joy to, gladden, to feel joy or great delight." (merriam-webster.com)
Philippians 4:4 says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" This means in every circumstance we should feel great delight in the Lord. The situation around us may not be good, but God is always good! This same thought is echoed in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." No matter what is happening to us, we can rejoice that we are in God's will for our lives. He has everything in control and nothing has taken Him by surprise.
We can rejoice when things are going wrong because we know what God has already done for us. Isaiah 61:10 states, "I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of His righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." God has saved our souls and made us righteous before Him, surely He will take care of every situation that we go through in this life; and because of that, we can rejoice!
When we are in mourning, it is difficult to rejoice. However, we can rejoice knowing that when a saint dies, they go into a much better place than this world! We can also rejoice that we will see them again and spend eternity with them! We can also rejoice in knowing that God cares for the loved ones left behind when someone passes away. This is expressed in Psalm 68:4-5, "Sing to God, sing in praise of His name, extol Him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before Him--His name is the Lord. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling." Rejoice that God takes care of His own.
We can rejoice even when things look hopeless. In Acts 16, we are told that Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison. Their feet were even fastened in stocks. This situation did not look good. Instead of complaining, what did Paul and Silas do? At midnight, they were praying and singing hymns to God! They rejoiced in adversity. Then an earthquake came and set everyone free! Rejoicing pleases God!
We can rejoice in God, but did you know that God rejoices over you? Zephaniah 3:17 says, "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over you with singing."
Keep rejoicing, beloved child of God!
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