Rejoice in the Lord
by Tom Benigas on June 4, 2020“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4, NIV)
There are days that this verse seems so distant. We feel there is nothing to rejoice about.
Dr. Benjamin Rush, one of the founding fathers of the United States and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was a very godly man. That one signature put his life at risk. Many who signed that declaration lost everything. As a physician in Philadelphia and active politically, he served the government in different ways. In his extensive prayer journal, he wrote:“I thank God that I did not fall down the stairs today.”
We are often thankful for what happens, if it is good, but seldom consider what does not happen as something to rejoice about. But I am deeply thankful that I did not have a car accident on my way home yesterday and that the airliner functioned properly on my last trip. I am equally thankful that I have not had any illness this year.
When the law was read to Israel and they realized how far that they had strayed from it, they were grieved and openly wept. Nehemiah’s unexpected response was: “Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.’” (Nehemiah 8:10, NIV)
“We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests.” (Psalms 20:5, NIV)
“And the ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” (Isaiah 35:10, NIV)
I will purpose in my heart to rejoice today! If I have good reason, I will rejoice. If I find the purpose in a trial that I’m going through, I will rejoice. If I can find nothing to rejoice about, I will rejoice for what difficulties I have not had.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4, NIV)
backThere are days that this verse seems so distant. We feel there is nothing to rejoice about.
Dr. Benjamin Rush, one of the founding fathers of the United States and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was a very godly man. That one signature put his life at risk. Many who signed that declaration lost everything. As a physician in Philadelphia and active politically, he served the government in different ways. In his extensive prayer journal, he wrote:“I thank God that I did not fall down the stairs today.”
We are often thankful for what happens, if it is good, but seldom consider what does not happen as something to rejoice about. But I am deeply thankful that I did not have a car accident on my way home yesterday and that the airliner functioned properly on my last trip. I am equally thankful that I have not had any illness this year.
When the law was read to Israel and they realized how far that they had strayed from it, they were grieved and openly wept. Nehemiah’s unexpected response was: “Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.’” (Nehemiah 8:10, NIV)
“We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests.” (Psalms 20:5, NIV)
“And the ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.” (Isaiah 35:10, NIV)
I will purpose in my heart to rejoice today! If I have good reason, I will rejoice. If I find the purpose in a trial that I’m going through, I will rejoice. If I can find nothing to rejoice about, I will rejoice for what difficulties I have not had.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4, NIV)
