Rejoice in the Lord!
By George Stroh
November 4, 2011
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near." (Philippians 4:4)
When life gets tough, do you lose your joy? Everyone suffers from time to time with physical, financial and relationship problems. Some have recently lost jobs, homes, even loved ones. The physical and emotional pain and suffering is real and seems to never end. But even when the severest trials and tribulations of life come our way, God tells us to "Rejoice in the Lord; again I say rejoice!"
Sometimes we lose our joy due to self-inflicted wounds when our sin results in guilt and shame that takes away our joy. Cain lost his joy when he sinned and killed his brother Abel; "Then the Lord said to Cain, 'Why are you angry? And why has your countenance (lack of joy) fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance (joy) be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it."' (Genesis 4:6-7)
Yes, it is easy to be joyful when our circumstances are good. But the joy and rejoicing that Christians have is supernatural and doesn't depend upon our temporal circumstances. Our joy transcends the temporal ups and downs of this life because we have God, the Holy Spirit, that indwells us; "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." (John 14:26)
So when the trials come (and they will), we can still rejoice in the Lord, knowing that He is in control and that we have His supernatural peace in every circumstance; "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (John 14:27). Even others, who observe your inexplicable peace and joy while suffering, will be amazed, giving glory to God.
One day soon we will be with Him. No more trials, no more suffering, no more tears, no more death. We have eternal life and eternal joy in our Lord Jesus Christ. "...again I will say rejoice! Maranatha!
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