Get Ready To Rejoice
Philippians 4:4 (NIV®)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
“Rejoice? Are you kidding? I don’t want to rejoice. I’m in a place that’s uninvited and undeserved. Absolutely not. There is no way I can rejoice in this situation.” But Paul, who suffered enough to speak on the subject with authority, is telling us to rejoice—no matter the circumstances! Writing from where he is in chains for sharing the good news about Jesus, he says that his imprisonment has had the opposite effect from what his captors intended because “what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel” (Philippians 1:12). If we really believe that God is working for our good in all things (Romans 8:28), then we have to believe that He is working through our trials too. I’m not saying that our feelings are not real, but they are a lousy rudder for our lives. So, no matter what you’re going through, rejoice. Do not give in to despair. Let go of the anger. Turn loose of the resentment. Give thanks to God, and then watch to see what He will do.
THINK ABOUT IT
The best antidote for fear is trust, and the best remedy for despair is thanksgiving. When trials overwhelm, begin to praise God for who He is and for His faithfulness to you.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for creating me for the privilege of serving You in this season. You’ve given me everything I need for life and godliness, and I want to run the race well that You have marked out for me. I trust You for the future ahead of me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Allen Jackson
Message Thread
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