Rejoice always † ¤ †

Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! et all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon]. Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

It's the holiday season and times of shopping, grumpy people, traffic.... But more than just the worldly concept of the Christmas season, there is also the spiritual!

In a world full of craziness it's easy to loose not only ourselves in the rush, but God! We are so blessed as Americans- we live in the land of abundance even though they say we are in a recession. We have jobs... houses... food in our cupboards and clothes on our backs. Rejoice in the Lord always- yes, we even have those time in our lives where we would love nothing more than to just run and hide! Trials come and go, but the word of God stays forever without changing and it says to rejoice!!! Not that you are facing struggles, but that through the grace of the Father you already have the victory.

It's not always easy to take time out just to thank God, is it? "I will praise You, Lord, through this storm" is a choice. To be happy through the thick and thin is a choice. Our joy should not be based on what is going on in our lives, but in the fact that we are saved by God's grace. Have you ever watched those people who have faced horrific struggles in life and yet still appear to be full of joy? Those are people who are confident in who they are in Christ and who they are to themselves... The focus not on the trials, but on the fact that the trial is temporary.

Father, help us to rejoice in all seasons of life and to focus in on Your truth. Lord, we lift up our lives to You this day and claim the victory through Your word in all situations. Move in our hearts and draw us ever closer to You until our hearts beat as one with Yours. In Jesus name amen!!!