Rejoice Always

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” (James 1:2, NKJV)

Is it possible to feel joy, even when life isn’t joyful? That’s what James seemed to be saying as he began his epistle. Even when experiencing times of adversity, we can feel joy.

Centuries before James told us to “count it all joy,” Job observed that life is short, and no one will escape trouble in this life.

“Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1, NKJV).

WHY TRIALS?

Trials are difficult to understand and to endure, but God allows them for a purpose. They have the potential to bring something good into our lives.

Each of us will experience periods of testing and trials. But why does God allow it? If we faithfully serve Him, why do we experience so much trouble? Can’t God protect us from these difficult seasons of life? Although such questions may flood our mind, God will use these difficult circumstances to bring good things into our lives – if we allow it. It is through our struggles that we grow in strength.

THE SOURCE OF OUR JOY

The Book of Philippians, which was written by Paul, has been called the book of joy. Where was this book written? Inside a Roman prison. What a strange place to write about joy. Paul’s joy did not come from his outward circumstance but from his inward relationship with the Lord Jesus. Romans 14:17, also written by Paul, says,

“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (NKJV).

TRIALS REVEAL CHARACTER

How we respond to the hard things in life reveals so much about who we really are. Is our faith in God firm, or do we waver? Are we strong, or do we bend to pressure? The apostles endured persecution for the sake of the gospel, yet Acts 5:41 tells us they responded with joy and determination, not fear and doubt.

“So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” (NKJV)

In I Peter 4:16 the apostle Peter wrote, “Yet if anyone suffers  as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (NKJV). When he wrote this verse, it was based on personal experience. Peter was one of those in Acts 5 who rejoiced in the midst of persecution. Now, some thirty years later, he still understood the joy that’s possible in suffering for the Lord.

REASONS TO REJOICE

There are so many ways we experience joy as we serve our Lord. Yes, trials will come, but we have so many reasons to rejoice each day.

• I rejoice because I am saved. (Psalm 51:12, Isaiah 12:3)
• I rejoice because I am filled with God’s Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)
• I rejoice because I am promised the crown of life. (James 1:12)
• I rejoice because God blesses me with endurance in trials. (James 1:3)
• I rejoice because God is my refuge and protection. (Psalm 5:11)
• I rejoice because God wants me to be filled with joy. (John 15:11)
• I rejoice because I know in Whom I trust. (Psalm 28:7)
• I rejoice because God has good plans for my life. (Jeremiah 29:11)
• I rejoice because God never changes. (Hebrews 13:8)

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)

Today’s Challenge: Create your own list of reasons you rejoice in the Lord always!

Devotion by Mary Loudermilk