Today’s Devotion
Topic: Rejoice In The Lord Always!
Text: 1 Thessalonians 5: 16
16 Be joyful always. Amen
The word of God can be too definite and straight-to-the-point for comfort; but that is how it must be. Its non- compromising precepts appear to demand the impossible from the unwilling; making them wonder how God will give such “heavy” instructions if it’s true that He knows their situation.
For example, the scripture that encourages us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matt 5: 44), has never been palatable for those who are almost set to serve some hot revenge on those who have mistreated them in times past. Just when they will get justice by giving an eye for an eye, the preacher man reminds them to love “these same enemies” and pray for them.
Another text that is very direct but challenging is the command to BE JOYFUL ALWAYS. But wait a minute you may say. “Did the bible say ‘always’?”, yes the bible said so! We are to be joyful when the day is bright and joyful when it is dark; joyful even when our jobs are too demanding with several complicated issues attached. We are to be joyful when we pass our exams and to remain joyful even when the exams or interview did not go so well.
We must be joyful when we’re blessed with the best spouse and children and equally joyful when they do not come anywhere close to being best. Bachelors are to rejoice even when the lady of their hearts turns down their proposal, and spinsters are to remain joyous when no man is proposing yet. We are all to be joyful when we can afford to eat and joyful when you must endure hunger.
The question here is simple, Is it even possible to maintain a joyful attitude all the time, come what may? The answer is yes, yes and yes. The source of joy has nothing to do with our physical surroundings or circumstances. It is the nature of God and a product of His Spirit. This makes joy the predominant attitude of all who will fellowship with Him as sons and daughters.
When Paul said “the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Rom 14: 17), he meant to say anyone who claims to be part of the kingdom of God must necessarily have these 3 great virtues manifesting in their lives. That is righteousness, peace and joy; all of which are ignited by the Holy Spirit.
What is impossible therefore is to claim to be born of the Spirit and not bear the fruit of Joy. You see, just as Jesus explained in John 14: 27 that the peace He leaves us is not like that which the world gives, so this joy we’re talking about has nothing to do with the world and its many pressures. It is the springing forth of the Word of God in your heart assuring you that all will be well. A river that flows through those who will be still and know that HE IS GOD (Ps 46).
This joy allows you to smile when others expect a tear. It allows you encourage someone even when your situation is worse than theirs. It allows you to keep an “it is well faith” in your spirit throughout the period of your storm.
Meditate on this word and begin to pray. Jesus already cautioned that in this world we will have troubles but we should cheer up because He has overcome the world (John 16: 33). Why should we be worried about anything then? He also said we shouldn’t worry about tomorrow (Matt 6: 34). Therefore cast all your cares upon Him and pick up His Joy. Let it be your strength through all the changing scenes of life. Refuse to let your weeping endure forever, give way for the JOY that comes in the morning. Let this joy wade off the nights of sorrow, making each day of your life a sunny and fair one.
If friends should ask the secret behind your beaming smile everyday, TELL THEM IT IS JESUS, HE IS THE CENTRE OF YOUR JOY!
