Today’s Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Rejoice always….
Robert Reed’s hand’s are twisted, and his feet, useless. He slurs when he speaks. He cannot bathe, clothe or feed himself. Robert Reed has cerebral palsy. But you know what? His disability could not keep him from graduating from college with a Latin degree, teaching at St. Louis Junior College, going on several foreign missions, and becoming a missionary in Portugal. Robert Reed, despite his extreme disability, is living a successful and fulfilled life. His secret? His joy! Robert Reed exudes uncommon joy, inspiring his creativity and driving him on against all odds. “I have everything I need for joy,” he says.
Joy, like oxygen, is vital to everyday living. In fact, true success, complete with fulfilment and cohesion in every area of life, is impossible without joy. A sad countenance never a winner made. Unfortunately many consider joy a result of victory. They go through life with a sombre attitude, waiting to rejoice after they get their big break. What they fail to realize is, joy does not necessarily come after the victory; victory is in the joy. Joy is a weapon that must be taken daily into the battles of life. God did not ask Jehoshaphat to rejoice and sing after victory; He commanded them to rejoice and sing into the battle. The key to their victory was in the joy.
We need an attitude of joy to enforce victory in every sphere of life. Joy is express evidence that faith is in place. We rejoice because we know that we are ‘overcomers,’ “and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.” So, do not wait for a future moment when everything is well and good to experience joy. Rejoice now! Author Leo Buscaglia tells this story: His father had come home downcast. His partner had absconded with the firm’s funds, and now they faced bankruptcy. His mother went out and sold some jewellery to buy food for a sumptuous feast. Other members of the family scolded her for it, but she replied, “The time for joy is now, when we need it most, not next week.” Her courageous act of joy rallied the family and pulled them through. So, what are you waiting for? For victory to bring you joy? No! Rejoice now! Your victory is in the joy!
Memorize & Meditate:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
Prayer/Confession:
Father, I thank you because You have caused me to rejoice. I choose today to rejoice. I am victorious in Christ Jesus always. Therefore I rejoice!
