Sunday, December 13, 2009

Rejoice!

The word "rejoice" comes from two French roots, "re" and "joir".  To rejoice means to welcome and to enjoy.  This morning as I am reflecting on the great sadness of Jeremiah (in preparation for our Mini Bible class) I considered what could be the antidote for sadness.  Jeremiah's great sadness came as the Lord revealed His plans for punishment because the people of Jerusalem would not follow or honor the Lord.  He was also sad because the people just wouldn't listen or change.  It occurred to me that if we are proactive to "rejoice" in the Lord it could make all the difference.  If we will start our day and weave into our lives an attitude of joy and thankfulness for all the Lord has done for us and in us and for all the Hope He has given us, it could help keep us close to Him and help us avoid much heartache and the sadness and separation of much sin.  Consider the words of Paul in the book of Romans, chapter 5:
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
 
We should lead with rejoicing because we have been forgiven...we have access directly to God...we have the sure hope of Heaven and all its Glory.  We also should rejoice because now we have perspective on suffering when it takes place on the far side of our salvation experience...even suffering is growing us and increasing our hope and providing opportunity to feel the presence of God directly via His Holy Spirit..placed within us.
 
Let's enjoy the Lord proactively (that is: "Let's rejoice in Him"!)
 
blessings,
Rob Smith

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