Text- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In ever thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”
In this world, we will be presented with many ‘opportunities’ to wallow in sadness, weeping and grief. But God’s word to us is ever sure – REJOICE EVERMORE… IN EVERYTHING, GIVE THANKS!
Understand that the words “Rejoice Evermore” is a command, it is neither an appeal nor an advice. God is commanding us to be joyful and thankful in all things; even in times of adversity, trial, and attack.
I don’t know what cards life has dealt you, or what seems not to be going exactly the way you would have wanted. I don’t know what challenges you are facing or what uncertainties and hidden fears you have. Don’t wallow in sadness, weeping or grief because of them, rather rejoice evermore and give thanks!
Paul said in 2nd Corinthians 4:17 “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all”.
As such, we have every reason to rejoice even in the toughest of times, knowing that all things works together for our good, and even the seemingly ‘bad’ situations are only momentary, and they are achieving for us an eternal glory that outweighs whatever trouble we may face in this world.
You may want to ask, “How exactly can I rejoice always?” “Am I expected to go around with a perpetual smile on my face? Should I numb my feelings and deny pain or sorrow?” The answer to this is that Joy is not a cheerful disposition; it is a flow that comes from within.
The shortest verse in the Greek New Testament is, “Rejoice always” (1 Thess. 5:16), while the shortest verse in the English New Testament is, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). This is quite interesting!
We see from scriptures that even Jesus wept. Isn’t that a sort of contradiction? Not at all! We would wrongly apply Paul’s words, “rejoice evermore” if we take it to mean that a Christian should numb his feelings and never ever feel sadness or grief.
The right application of this verse is that we should learn to refocus our attention on God’s faithfulness mercies as He gives us hope that transcends our circumstances. This verse instructs us to draw upon the joy of the Lord within us, and allow that joy to change our mood even when the situation is not any different yet.
When we say “Rejoice evermore”, we are not talking about a superficial kind of happiness based on good situations or on the absence of bad ones. What we are talking about is a steadfast, rock-solid satisfaction and confidence in God, who is ever faithful, and has assured us with His unfailing promises.
Beloved, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
PRAYER
Father, I thank you for your faithfulness towards me. Help me to rest assured of your work in and around me today, to rejoice in you always and to give thanks in all things in Jesus' name.
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