REJOICE

Psalm 118:24

This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Joy is more than just happiness. Jesus wasn’t calling people to dance and laugh or have fun. He was asking them to choose joy instead of hopelessness. Jesus encouraged his disciples to take heart and have peace because he had already overcome the world.

Rejoicing does not always look like happiness. You can be hurting and still choose to delight in the Lord. You can be in a uncomfortable situation and be grateful for what God has done, and is doing, in your life. Rejoicing is a choice. As disciples, we are called to joy, not to hopelessness and negativity. We should focus on what God has done for us instead of dwelling on our current suffering and pain. We are called to share that joy and hope with others.

Even if you don’t feel happy about the outcome, tell God – out loud – that you trust him. Thank him for what ever situation you are in and learn to be content. Ask him for joy and an eternal perspective. And as you rejoice, pray and give thanks in all circumstances. Just being in a conversation with God delivers so much peace and joy.

Losing a job, a home or even a love one can be hard and not an easy place to rejoice but knowing that Christ already overcame the world and always has our best interest at heart should be all the comfort you need to make the choice to rejoice no matter what is happening, in your life today choose to rejoice.

Today is the day that the Lord as made rejoice and be glad in it.