Rejoice
Today’s Verse:
Rejoice evermore. ~1 Thessalonians 5:16
Two words can make all the difference between a good day and a bad day. These two words differentiate a victorious Christian from a defeated Christian. These same two words differentiate a Christian who pleases God from one who does not. These two words are, “Rejoice evermore.”
There is the exhortation to rejoice.
Paul’s words are a strong encouragement to believers who were grieving the loss of loved ones and facing the pressures of persecution from the citizens of Thessalonica. He knew what they were going through. However, he also wanted them to know that with God, they could rejoice evermore. Rejoicing evermore is walking in the Spirit. It is the realization that as bad as things might be, my spirit can still rejoice in the Lord! When all else fails, rejoice evermore!
There is the example of rejoicing.
Not only did these believers have an exhortation, but they also had a great example. Paul lived what he preached. He rejoiced despite stoning. He rejoiced despite shipwreck. He rejoiced despite opposition and persecution. He rejoiced when he was betrayed. He rejoiced while trying to restore brethren who were having strife and contention. He rejoiced when he was bitten by a viper. He rejoiced every time a sinner got saved. He rejoiced when he thought of the many churches that were started and lives being transformed. Paul was an example of someone who rejoiced evermore.
There is the extenuation in rejoicing.
We are commanded to rejoice evermore. This means to make rejoicing our perpetual disposition. Circumstances cannot change us. Through rejoicing, we can overcome our circumstances. A rejoicing spirit is to be a permanent marker about our life. We are to rejoice in all seasons. We are to "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."
There is the exhibiting of rejoicing.
Rejoicing must be our practice and lifestyle. It must be in our singing. It must be in our words, speech, and preaching! It must be the spirit by which we witness and tell people about Jesus! It must be the spirit that is evident when trials and hardships come. It must be what people always see about us. How can we rejoice evermore? Simple! "All things work together for good to them that love God." Our rejoicing is to reflect the power of God at work in a life that is submitted exclusively to His control.
As a third-century man was anticipating death, he penned these last words to a friend: "It's a bad world, an incredibly bad world. But I have discovered in the midst of it a quiet and holy people who have learned a great secret. They have found a joy which is a thousand times better than any pleasure of our sinful life. They are despised and persecuted, but they care not. They are masters of their souls. They have overcome the world. These people are the Christians—and I am one of them." [Today In The Word; p. 18; June 1988]
Let’s determine to be Christians who rejoice evermore! Live in the power of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to manufacture this spirit of joy and contentment at all times.
Have a rejoicing God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Exodus 39-40