Rejoice in the Lord alway

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)
 
How wonderful is this truth? 
 
The Lord is the source of our joy and strength!
 
We don’t have to put pressure on ourselves to try to dig up joy where it cannot be found. God has everything we need in this life and beyond!
 
Because we have been united with Christ, He is the giver of our hope, peace, comfort, joy and strength. 
 
Even in difficult seasons, you can still have His joy.
 
His word says to be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life!
 
We don’t have to wait for life to be perfect and problem-free in order to access all that He has for us. Since He is always with you, the joy and peace of His life-changing presence is always available to you.
 
When you accepted Jesus into your heart, He sanctioned you to rise above all circumstances of life. As children of God, we are not held down by the weight of the world.
 
As you go through today, ponder on what He has done for you and all He’s already given.
 
Whispering His name and saying, “Jesus, you are my joy” is all it takes to remind you of His never-changing presence.

This devotion blessed me, I pray it encourages you to whisper, “Jesus, you are my joy”.
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!


Rely on Him

Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. (Psalm 32:10-11)
 
God controls and allows every detail of our lives. Nothing happens without His knowledge and approval.
 
Every day, little changes in schedule or small irritations occur. Everyday, we can choose to let these obstacles upset us, or we can rest in the knowledge that God lovingly ordained them as small irritants to help us look to and rely on Him. For example, we can grumble about the frustrating traffic jam that is keeping us from getting somewhere on time, or we can remember that God knows about our deadlines and view the time sitting in traffic as an opportunity to pray. We can complain, or we can rejoice.
 
May we allow the knowledge that we are continually surrounded by God’s unfailing love to permeate our lives and chase away our complaints and fears.
 
When I read this devotion is blessed me. It caused me to pause for a moment and reflect on how I’ve allowed obstacles to frustrate and upset me. What I need to do is rejoice even in moments of frustration. I needed this reminder today and I have a feeling, in the coming mornings as we rush out the door to start our day. I need to choose to set a better tone for our day and be a better example to my children. I hope and pray you are encouraged to do the same no matter what your facing. Rejoice! 
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 


In The Midst Of It All . . .

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matthew 1:23) 
 
When Daniel was in the midst of the lion’s den…God was with him.  When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were in the midst of the fiery furnace…God was with them.  It would have been perfectly easy for God to immediately transport these saints out of their difficulties, but no, He chose instead to be with them in the midst of their trials.  God chose to reveal His power through the trials instead of exercising His power to remove them. 
 
Trials and difficulties are simply a part of life and quite honestly, the longer I walk with the Lord the bigger these trials become.  But how do we react when our faith is challenged by these adversities? James 1:2 says to count it all joy! What could possibly be joyful about difficult situations? Painful, yes…but joy?? 
 
Yet, somehow, I do find joy in knowing, and even sensing that God is with me in the midst of my problems — in the midst of my trials. He did promise never to leave or forsake me; and as I look over my life, I find it to be absolutely true…no matter what crazy situation I’m in, God is with me. 
 
We all have this decision: either to complain because of the trials we’re enduring…or to prayerfully lift our souls before him (Psalm 25:1) …and rejoice in the midst of our troubles — knowing, believing, and even feeling, that God is with us, now…always…all the way! 
 
Today’s devotion blessed me and I pray it encourages you to lift your soul before Him and rejoice. Rejoice in The Lord always and again I say rejoice. Romans 12:12, Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.  
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Philippians 4:4 


Does it Spark Joy?

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

I recently read, the apostle Paul urged the Christians in Philippi to pursue joy in their relationship with Christ. “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4). Instead of a life cluttered with anxiety, he urged them to pray about everything and let God’s peace guard their hearts and minds in Christ (vv. 6–7).

Looking at our everyday tasks and responsibilities, we see that not all of them are enjoyable. But we can ask, “How can this spark joy in God’s heart and in my own?” A change in why we do things can bring a transformation in the way we feel about them.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true . . . honest . . . just . . . pure . . . lovely . . . are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (v. 8).

Paul’s parting words are food for thought and a recipe for joy.

Lord, show me how You want to spark joy in the tasks I face today. Amen.

God is so good. He creates so much joy in our lives and although at times we tend to focus on times of sadness, bitterness, anger and hurt may we be reminded today, this day, that by truly focusing on The Lord is just the beginning of joy. He wants to see your mind at peace and your heart at rest. How can you spark joy in your heart today? Start by counting your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings see what God has done. Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. May we begin and end each day with this on our lips.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Philippians 4:4-9