A Life Of Rejoicing

"Today's Devotion" For July 8, 2005

Read: Philippians 4:4-7; Psalm 46

A LIFE OF REJOICING

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Phil.4:4)

Rejoicing isn't what a good many people around the country and the world are doing these days. For a good many of them, rejoicing is the farthest thing from their minds. Instead they're mourning the death of loved one, soldiers, airmen, and others who have died in the violence that is still very much a part of the war against terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. On one hand our nation rejoices to hear that a Navy Seal feared lost in Afghanistan, is found alive. On the other hand sadness grips the hearts of many because the rest of his team is feared dead and the rescue team sent to find them was blown out of the sky with a total loss of life. The horror of war and terrorism has been extended to Great Britian over the past couple of days as the British mourn the death of at least 37 victims of a terrorist attack on the London subway and bus system. At least an additional 700 people have been injured, and the news accounts say that Europe is gripped with fear. We can be certain, in the face of these tragedies, that Paul's exhortation to "Rejoice in the Lord always" is falling on a lot of deaf ears.

Yet the Apostle knew exactly what he was talking about. Under house arrest in Rome, he had some freedom to preach the Gospel, but his time was short. Within two years he would be thrown into prison for the final time and then be killed because he served Jesus Christ. As he wrote these stirring words, the threat to his life was very real and imminent. He always wrote as if Jesus was coming "tomorrow," or he was going home to heaven. Just as the majority of our military people serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world, Paul was somewhere in his late twenties or early thirties when all this was happening. Faced with all this uncertainty and danger to his life, he could still say, "Rejoice!"

Rejoicing is what happens for all who are in Christ Jesus. It's a natural part of saving faith in Him. Forgiven of all our sins and filled with His love, grace, and mercy, it isn't hard to "Rejoice" because we have so much for which to be grateful. Because we know that there's nothing that can separate us from God's love, we are encouraged in our living and rejoice in God's blessings. While all around us may be full of gloom and doom, and, certainly, the untimely and violent death of loved ones can bring such feelings into our lives, the people of God rejoice. We rejoice because we trust in Him. We rejoice because we believe His promise to never leave us or forsake us. We rejoice because our sins are forgiven and we belong to Him. We rejoice because in Christ we belong to God, and He makes everything good. We rejoice because God gives us the opportunity to provide hope and comfort to those who mourn. Jesus brings hope into people's hearts even in the worst of times, so "Rejoice in the Lord, always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

Prayer: Father, help me to always remember that even in the midst of the turmoil and trials of this sin-filled world, I am never out of Your sight and am always in the palm of Your hand. Strengthen my faith and trust in You and send Your holy angels to watch over me and keep me safe. Be with all those who mourn the loss of their loved ones to the violence of this world. Help me to be a witness to them of Your love for them in Jesus and Your forgiveness of all their sins. Let my witness to them show them the peace You bring to their hearts and lead them to "Rejoice in You always!" In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved