Rejoice in the Lord always;
Again I say rejoice.
Philippians 4: 4
Lord, I can’t help but sing that silly children song whenever I read these words.
I am nodding my head as it beats in my head today
and I smile.
I hope you smile too.
But Lord it is so hard at times to rejoice.
The world seems to be falling apart – beheadings, epidemics, wars, bombings.
My stomach churns with fear, doubts, uncertainties.
My restless nights haunted with anxieties, helplessness and vulnerability.
Yet you say rejoice.
Rejoice?
Really?
Yes, rejoice.
Maybe that is why we have to say rejoice again.
Again I say rejoice.
To convince my quivering soul.
To remind me of your promises.
To yield my insecurities into your open and waiting arms.
We do know that you are victorious in the end.
You defeated death and will never abandon us.
You ultimately are in control and in charge.
I can let the world take over my heart
or I can choose to keep my eyes on you and rejoice.
Rejoice.
Again I say rejoice.
I love Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of Philippians 4:4. “Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him!” That’s exactly what you’ve demonstrated for us, Jean–reveling in his promises, provision, and power. Thank you for directing our hearts and minds in the right direction!
I love the Message too Nancy. One of my favorite translations.
Hi Jean! I think of that song all the time when I read those words too. Don’t feel like the Lone Ranger!
There’s plenty going on in my life that doesn’t seem like much material to rejoice over. At least from a worldly perspective. So what can I do? I have to get a new way of thinking. I have to find the good and rejoice. It will take time and a change in my thinking. Good thing Jesus knows I can’t possibly do it on my own.
Hope you had a good weekend my friend!
Ceil
Reminding myself, each and every day, to do the same. Blessed Sunday, Jean!
me too Martha!!