REJOICE ALWAYS... Sunday

Devotional for 9/27/15

Rejoicing in the Lord seems like an easy task.  At least it is when things are going well.  But what about when things are difficult?  Sometimes it is even hard to remember that God promises to be with us through everything, or that in the end if we are faithful and called to his purpose, he will work all things for good.  But what about during those trials?  Is it ok to feel sad, angry, or hurt?  Does that show a lack of joy or trust in the Lord?  

Actually, those feelings are normal.  And if you try to ignore them and just stuff them deep inside, they are bound to come out in inappropriate times or ways.  Even Jesus was sad or angry at times, but he did something about those situations and moved on.  We can feel those feelings, do all that we appropriately can about the situation with God's help, and then leave the rest in His hands.  That is a healthy way to deal with trying times.  You can visit difficult feelings during times of trial, just don't unpack your bags and stay there!

The biggest challenge for most of us is not just rejoicing in God in the good times. It's not just rejoicing after the hard times have ended when we can see the ways God used it for good or the positive things that resulted in spite of the troubles.  The hardest thing is actually rejoicing during the trials.  It takes a broader view to see that these things are insignificant compared to the glory that awaits us in heaven.  It takes a faithful heart to remember while the upsetting difficulties are still occurring, that we can also be thankful and praise God throughout those days.  We have many examples in the Bible of rejoicing even during duress. 

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NIV)  "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.  The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights."

Dear Father in heaven, thank you for being with me through all of my days - the good, the bad and the ugly.  Help me always to be able to rejoice in you and all that you do for me.  No matter what this world and Satan throw at me, may your Spirit continue to build my faith and help me climb to the heights.  In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, who with you and the Spirit are one.  Amen.

Written by 
Jan Andersen