How Can I Rejoice?

BUT HOW CAN WE REJOICE WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN?

How can a young mother rejoice when she has just delivered a stillborn baby? How can a man rejoice when he has just buried his beloved helpmeet? How can a family rejoice when a call has just been received about a horrible accident? How can one who has been betrayed by an unfaithful spouse rejoice? How can a Christian rejoice when she has been hurt deeply by another Christian?

It truly is difficult to rejoice about any of these situations or any other adversities which arise in our lives. As we continue growing as a Christian, we understand, from God's word, how and why we can "rejoice always" (1 Thessalonians 5:16).

For now, let's just focus on the verse we looked at earlier. "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4).

Our rejoicing is IN THE LORD, in His love, His care, His mercy. Our rejoicing is because of the hope we can have if we are walking in obedience to God's commandments.

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Romans 5:1-2).

Rejoice In The Lord

REJOICE IN THE LORD

If you are like me, sometimes you just do not feel like rejoicing. Things happen that make us sad; things happen we do not like; things happen that upset us; things happen that hurt us. The list could go on and on. So why make such a "big deal" over rejoicing?

Why? Because God commands us to rejoice in the Lord. We are not rejoicing because of what is happening around us. We are REJOICING IN THE LORD.

Read carefully the following verses and notice the commands; then notice the wonderful promise of God in the last verse!

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:4-6);

"and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).

Remember: obey God's commands and receive His wonderful blessing of the peace of God which surpasses all understanding!