Life
can be difficult. Sometimes
it seems
that you just about get all the puzzle pieces in place and then
something comes
along and shakes everything up again. There
is always another problem or something more to worry about or sort
out. For those who feel
this way, the Bible offers
a one-word prescription: Rejoice!
Let
me
be perfectly clear: “Rejoice” does not mean “Be fake” or “deny
reality”. Pretending that
nothing is wrong will not
help anything. Rejoice,
though, is a
reminder to focus on your blessings and not just your problems.
Writing
from prison, where he was unfairly locked up for doing good, Paul
says, “Rejoice
in the Lord always. I will
say it again:
Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Note
that
this is a command. It is
not an
optional, take it or leave it, sort of thing.
As well, it is worth noting that rejoicing has nothing to
do with our specific
circumstances. In fact,
the command is
to rejoice “always” or “continually”.
The reminder here is that, while life is not always easy or
the way we
would like it, there is always good to be found if we choose to
look for it.
Paul
then gives them a solid reason to rejoice: “The Lord is near!”
(Philippians
4:5). That could mean that
the Lord’s
return is near. In other
words, “Do not
be so concerned about what is going on right now. Rather, think
about the next
life”. That is a good
reminder, but I am
not convinced that is his point. What
I
think he means is, “You are not alone!”.
God is close. He
sees and
understands what you are going through.
You do not have to carry this burden by yourself. The very creator of the
universe can
strengthen, heal, comfort and walk with you if you let him.
Again,
this is not about denying your feelings or being unrealistic. It is perfectly acceptable to
feel all the
things you are feeling. However,
as
difficult as it might be, look around.
You may be surprised by the blessings that still surround
you.
“Rejoice…
pray with thanksgiving… present your requests to God. And the peace of God will
guard your hearts
and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-8).
You
may
not get to choose your circumstances, but you always get to choose
how you go
through them.
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