Skip to main content

Invest in Joy

                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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Consider This: What is so Great About Grace?

If you were to drive by our house, you would see that Sara loves plants.  Our yard is full of flowers, and Sara lovingly tends every one of them. Which is why I was so afraid when she left town and put me in charge of keeping things alive. She must have been a little concerned, too, because she sent me two videos with specific instructions on how to water, when to water, and what to do.  Honestly, those first two videos helped, but the third one she sent was the one I liked most.  In that one, she said, “Please do your best. I want the yard to look good for the family reunion in two weeks.  However, if something dies, we will dig it out and pretend that it never existed!” That is what grace looks like!  Try your best, do what you can, but if it goes wrong, it will be ok. Sometimes we talk as though grace and effort are opposites.  That is not true.  They are partners. In one place, scripture asks, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone c...
Post a Comment
Read more

New Article: Thanksgiving in Real Time

                    Thanksgiving weekend means that many of us will spend time together with family and friends, eat a lot of food and think about what we are thankful for in our lives.   Unfortunately, after that, most will go back to their normal routines and leave thankfulness behind.                   What would happen if thanksgiving were part of our everyday life, rather than something we focused on a few times per year?   Where would we even start?                 According to Philippians 1:18-26, the apostle Paul remained joyful and thankful, even while imprisoned for his faith, by holding on to three important practic...
Post a Comment
Read more

Darkness to Light (Colossians 1:9-14)

 Our transition from lost to found is a gift of God. It is because of God’s grace and Jesus’ sacrifice.  However, our growth in that new life is at least partially our responsibility. So, what needs evaluation?  Where should this growth begin? What does it look like to walk in the light? Colossians 1 highlights three starting spots.  https://youtu.be/1nWWWj4awh8  
Post a Comment
Read more