Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice!
Rejoicing has been on my mind. Not just rejoicing when all seems right with my world, but rejoicing when the world would say all is NOT right in my world. We are traveling through some challenging times in our family. There are days, that if I am not making a conscious effort to look to Jesus, I can feel overwhelmed, isolated, and weary.
Here’s the thing. I am good at putting on “the face.” You know what I am talking about – the “I am just fine face. I am smiling so you won’t notice face.” But, God has not called us to a life of putting on “the face” but of rejoicing! It is a conscious choice to rejoice in the present moment, with my present circumstances, while placing my future uncertainties securely in God’s hands.
Here are some things I am learning about rejoicing.
- Rejoicing reenergizes us for authenticity with those people God brings into our paths.
- Rejoicing redirects our worry into worship of the one true God.
- Rejoicing reframes our circumstances into a beautiful picture of God’s presence, goodness, love, care, and provision.
- Rejoicing reminds me and others of their need for Jesus.
So today I choose rejoicing. Will you? We may be rejoicing with a smile or we may be rejoicing in tears, but one thing I know; God has commanded us to rejoice. This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it! Let’s commit today to make this a summer of rejoicing.
