Rejoice in The LORD! Always!

It seems to me that we can always find something to gripe about. Fuel prices are too high; cancer is taking the lives of our loved ones; local governments are infringing on our liberties; the federal government doesn’t care about us; the month is longer than our money; no one understands us; our parents didn’t give us every advantage; our friends have things to do that don’t involve us; our children grow up and have lives of their own; Shipley’s ran out of donuts before I got there; the nail shop didn’t have my color; morning came too soon (what about rejoicing that you got up?). Seriously, we have a really good gripery (I don’t think that’s a word – but I’ll take the liberty to create a word today).

We drain the life out of ourselves with our complaints, when we could be building ourselves up with thoughts of things that are “true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” I guarantee you that there is always something to rejoice about. In fact, if you’re reading this you can rejoice that you are alive; that you can see; that you can read; that you have a computer/device on which to read this message; that you know me (and I know you are so happy about that!). We know that in this life we will have trials, but our Savior encourages us to be of good cheer because he has already overcome any trial that we might face; and that is something to rejoice about.

As believers in Jesus Christ, we can choose to rejoice because at the end of the day we win! Or, we can choose to wallow in the sadness and let it destroy us. We all have bills to pay; we all have to face illness, either our own or someone we love; we all have a family member that is not living out their full potential; we have all lost someone dear to us; we all have lots on our plate; we all have sad moments — but there is always cause to rejoice. More significantly, it is through rejoicing that we will be made whole and well.

Focusing on the problems that we face will drain us dry!

If you still just can’t seem to find cause to rejoice, I’ll give you a few “Praise Starters”

1. He saved your soul
2. He made you whole
3. He loves you
4. He cares for you
5. He created you
6. He will never leave you
7. He will never forsake you
8. He knows you, YET He loves you
9. He provides for you
10. He desires a deeper relationship with you.

Celebrate! Take delight in God’s goodness in your life! Be glad because of what you know He can do! I will choose to rejoice and be glad — I refuse to let circumstances, the enemy, people, problems use up all of my life energy. I will rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS — and I’ll say it to you too, rejoice! 

From Glenn Burleigh: “Rejoice in the Lord always! You better rejoice in the Lord always! Think about all He’s done! We ought to thank Him everyone! Rejoice! Again, I say rejoice! Make a joyful noise; a joyful noise unto The Lord. Rejoice in the Lord, Oh again – I say rejoice. Magnify The Lord, O lift up your voice and sing. Give praise to Jesus Christ; The Son of God; The King of Kings! Rejoice! Lift Him Up! Lift the Savior Up! Lord, We Praise You! Lord We Praise Your Name! Hallelujah! Glory To Your Name!” Again, I Say Rejoice