Rejoice Always

The question we must ask ourselves is, Is God and the salvation He purchased for us enough? If there was no other blessing than salvation, would we still rejoice? If no one goes with us, and even family turn away from us, would Christ be enough for our rejoicing?

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, rejoice. - Philippians 4:4

Rejoicing is easy in the good times, but what if it isn't good? Habakkuk 3: 17,18 - Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vine; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flocks shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

True rejoicing comes from a heart that depends only on the Lord. If we need something more than God to make us rejoice, we will be miserable. Our joy must come from our relationship with Him. If He is our joy we can always rejoice, because He never leaves us.

Even in times of severe tribulation we can still worship and trust Him because He is our salvation. Look at these three cases: Habakkuk, although there is no food, I will rejoice in God's salvation; Job, If you kill me, I will still trust you; Paul and Silas beaten and put in jail in Philippi, at midnight worshipped God. They could worship God in every circumstance because they knew God's salvation was not about life on this earth, but life with God through all eternity. We rejoice, not because we get our way or the things of this world , which will all pass away, but because He redeemed us and gave us eternal life in Christ.

Hardships, persecutions, and tribulations will come while we are on this earth, but His salvation remains sure for all who love and worship Him. The question we must ask ourselves is, Is God and the salvation He purchased for us enough? If there was no other blessing than salvation, would we still rejoice? If no one goes with us, and even family turn away from us, would Christ be enough for our rejoicing? Of course He is enough, and worthy of all praise, glory, and worship but each one will make that choice alone, and it will determine eternity.

Look to God our redeemer, Christ Jesus the price of redemption, and the Holy Spirit the gift of redemption, and rejoice! And again I say, REJOICE!!!

#trust #jesus #obey #live #love #wait #faith #family #fun #joy