(As I was looking for a photo for this devotional, I came across this one I took last week. These lilies look like they are rejoicing! With their flowers open in praise to the heavens. Perfect!)
Rejoice always! This little two word verse in 1 Thessalonians packs a punch!
1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NIV) 16 Rejoice always,
Does that mean that as a Christian we are supposed to always be SUPER happy? With a smile pasted on our face? No... What it means is that we were created with the ability to choose joy through all of the moments of our lives!
What's interesting is that if you continue to read the next two verses in that passage, you will see why we need to rejoice.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18(NIV)
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Because it is God's will for you. He wants us to be full of joy!
The definition of rejoice: To feel or show great joy or delight.
All I can think of is my sweet grandson squealing with delight over stomping in a puddle or when I pretend I'm chasing him. It's so delightful! I feel like that's how our heavenly father wants us to experience life at times.
I know we all go through struggles... that's apart of life. However, even then we can find some reason to rejoice. I feel like we need to teach ourselves to rejoice and practice it.
Have you ever been around someone that constantly complains? That just seems to suck the joy right out of the room? I do not want to be that person! They haven't learned how to find things to rejoice about, they're too focused on the negative.
In order to learn how to rejoice more, we need to be intentional about it. Why don't we try and see how many times we can rejoice in one day? Or write down 10 things you can rejoice about?
When we purposely choose to have joyful thoughts, it will not only lighten up your day, but more importantly, your mind, your heart and your soul. The more you do this, the more joyful you become and you will find even more joy in your life.
By making this a regular practice, you'll begin to see how easy it is. When you step into the room, you will be a light to others, creating joy in their lives as well.
You will also be amazed at how much this strengthens your relationship with Jesus.
Philippians 4:4 (NLT)
4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!
Rejoice always!
Blessings,
Lori
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