“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”
Rejoicing is a lost art today. People complain about their work, the weather, their sports team, the economy, the government, or their family. If it’s not one thing, it’s another. Have you ever met those people who seem to have nothing going right in life? You might ask them how they’re doing, then regret asking when they tell you everything that’s wrong!
We all know things go wrong in life. If we wanted to, I’m sure we could all list things we wish were going differently for us. However, rarely do people focus on all that is going right in life. How about the fact that we all woke up this morning? We are all still breathing, living human beings. The difference between an optimist and a pessimist is their paradigm of life.
What paradigm, or view of life, do you have today? Do you see life as a giant series of events that go wrong? On the other hand, do you see it as a divinely guided series of events that ultimately lead to a home in Heaven? God desires that you view life as a God-designed plan personally for you.
The greatest joy that can be had is in living for a higher purpose, a purpose given by God. When we focus on ourselves and the pains and trials we endure, our joy is diminished. Only as we look toward Christ and live out His perfect will for our lives will the trials be seen as opportunities to praise God.
Even in his day, Paul realized the pessimistic view some people had on life, and reminded Christians to be joyful, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” Notice that Paul didn’t simply tell the believers at Philippi to be happy. He told them to rejoice in the Lord. —-
Because God created you, you can rejoice. Because God loves you, you can rejoice. Because God sent His only Son to die on Calvary for you specifically, you can rejoice. Because death means an eternity with God for believers, you can rejoice. Because God has ordered your life, you can rejoice. Because even in difficult times God is working through your trials, you can rejoice. Because no matter what happens on earth God is still on His throne, you can rejoice.
Have you rejoiced yet today? Have you praised God for the fact that you’re alive? Don’t take each day on earth for granted. Take time now to rejoice in the fact that God loves you and is watching over you right now. Rejoice always because God is your Heavenly Father.–By Dr. Paul Chappell
