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

New Article: Grace Changes Everything

               A young man broke into a business and did $5000 damage. As part of his Restorative Justice sentence, he was required to meet with my friend Garth.   Garth believes in making apologies and restitution.   It took several months, but Garth finally convinced the young man that these were necessary steps, so he tried to arrange a meeting with the business owner.                The business owner wanted nothing to do with this situation.   He was angry and wanted a more severe form of justice.   Eventually, however, he agreed to meet the young man to hear what he had to say.                  The young man looked the business owner in the eye an...
Post a Comment
Read more

New Article: We need a Better Scorecard

                   “Is that a Sun Ice?”                “Excuse me,” I said.                My friend pointed to my new ski jacket and asked again, “Is that a Sun Ice?”                It was 1991 and Sun Ice was the big name in ski wear at the time.   “No” I replied, “I can’t afford one of those”.                “Oh” he said as he lost interest and then just walked away.                I had not seen this friend in more than a year and, sadly, his first ...
Post a Comment
Read more

New Article: Surprised by God

                 We would be shocked if we could hear the Bible for the first time again.   On every page, something unexpected happens.   The only reason we are not surprised is that the stories are so familiar to us.   Think about some of the unexpected interactions that God has had with his people.                For example, every culture has stories about a creator, but none imagined that God would become part of the creation.   That the creator would lower himself and become human is surprising, to say the least.                Not only did he become one of us, but he also came as a baby.   A tiny, helpless, baby!   If I wer...
Post a Comment
Read more