Rejoice in the Lord

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

These are the words of which the Lord kept reminding me.

He reminded me in the middle of the night as my fussy newborn refused to sleep.

He reminded as I cleaned up a {lovely} mess including a perfectly clean diaper and a not-so-clean bed after my toddler's nap.

He reminded me as my tired body ached for a nap and the phone kept ringing.

He reminded me as I finally drifted off to sleep and I heard a little boy's voice calling to me "Mommy, come wipe me!"

He reminded me as my husband came home from work (late again) and informed me that he'll be working 6 days a week for at least the next month. ("No! I'm so tired, and I need your help! I don't want you to be away! I don't want you to be tired because then I don't feel like I can ask you to help me!") It's okay. "Rejoice in the Lord!"

WHY????

Well, there are at least a hundred reasons, but I'll keep it brief and just list 10:

1. I'm saved! Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

2. God is molding me to be more like Christ (Whom I shall see someday soon!) 1 Peter 1:6-9 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

3. I don't have to worry about my problems - I can take them to the Lord in prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing.

4. I have peace with God and complete access to Him through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

5. I have the complete Word of God to guide me, rebuke me, and comfort me. Psalm 119:162 I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.

6. God knows all that my day will hold, and he will give me the grace for each moment. Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

7. My God is holy and he will never allow anything unjust to happen. Psalm 97:12 Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

8. God is in control of the universe (including my life!) Psalm 97:1 The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.

9. The God of the universe is MY helper! Psalm 63:7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

10. Rejoicing is a result of being filled with the Spirit - a state in which I need to be all the time! Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.


Are there little things piling up that are threatening to steal your joy? Think on the positive, and find reasons to rejoice!