Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”

 

Isn't it great to be alive today? We awake each morning to embark on another day of great adventure. It is an adventure because we know not what the day is going to bring forth. It may be joy and happiness or it may be pain and heartache. It could be success or it could be failure. All may go well with us or nothing could seem to go right. But understand this, whatever adventure comes our way, as a child of God, we should be rejoicing in the Lord. Our sins have been forgiven, we have been washed clean in the blood of the Lamb and thus have the hope of one day living in the beautiful paradise of heaven (John 14:1-3, 2 Cor. 5:1).We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood a peculiar people who have been called out of darkness into marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9, Col.1:12-14). Why should we not be rejoicing in the Lord always?

 

We should rejoice and be thankful that we have the privilege of being a child of God. Every day we should be on our knees thanking God for his love that makes this possible (1 John 3:1). Our hearts should swell with great gratitude that while we were sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8).

 

We should be rejoicing because we have through obedience to God, been added to his church and thus are numbered among the saved (Acts 2:47). A word to the wise here. In our rejoicing, we must strive to be actively involved in the work and worship of the church (Rom. 12:1-2, 13-21, 1 Cor. 15:58, Matt. 5:16, James 1:25). In our rejoicing, we must ever be dedicated to maintaining peace, harmony and unity within the church (Psalms 133:1, Eph. 4:3, Rom. 12:16-18, Rom. 14:19, 1 Cor. 1:10).

 

We should rejoice because we are walking in the truth (2 John 4, Eph. 5:8, 1 John 1:7). Walking in the truth means that we know the truth and obey it to the best of our ability. It is this walk that makes us free (John 8:32).

 

Rejoice and again I say rejoice. The blessings of God upon us are many and constant thereby giving us the hope that sustains us each day whatever the day brings forth (1 Pet. 5:7, 1 Cor. 10:13, Heb. 13:5).

 

When you really think about it, as children of God, we ought to be the happiest people on the face of this earth.

 

Charles Hicks

White House, Tn.