Dearly Beloved,
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4
To God be the glory for preserving our lives throughout the first half of the year 2016.
For the Lord’s mercies have counted us worthy to see the beginning of the second half. And I am confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4
Habakkuk 3:17-18—… “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: [18] Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”
Here the exhortation to rejoice is linked with the challenges of life. We are to constantly, and even habitually rejoice. It is noted that Christians usually are not in the habit of rejoicing when they are faced with difficult situations. Lack of faith is a destroyer of joy. Paul admonishes us to rejoice in the Lord always. Apostle Paul restates for the purpose of emphasis “Again, I say rejoice.”
One of the ways to extinguish problems in our lives is to count our blessings and rejoice in the Lord. Rejoicing is a great antidote for discouragement, depression, division, and disunity. In spite of our trials, we can still rejoice, though rejoice in the Lord.
Our knowledge and intimacy with Jesus Christ will lead to joy which is the key to rejoicing in the Lord. The joy that the Lord provides also gives us enough strength to face trials and suffering.
Receive the Lord Jesus Christ into your life as your Lord and personal Savior and experience the joy of the Lord.
Acts 5:41—“And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.”
Nehemiah 8:10—“Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
The joy of the Lord is our strength. Besides, Joy and laughter are good for your health.
May the Lord strip every garment of sorrow, hardship, lack, and sickness off you, and replace them with a garment of rejoicing in Jesus name.
Welcome to the month of July, the month of your Rejoicing in the Almighty God.
Yours in the Lord,
Pastor Lillian Haastrup
