Find Reasons to Rejoice

You had a bad day at work. On the way home you were stuck in traffic, due to an accident causing a fifteen minute commute turn into one hour. You called home to tell the kids to start dinner because you knew you would be late. You finally make it home only to find out that the kids didn't start dinner because they got caught up in some t.v. sitcom rerun. Help Lord!

Many people find themselves in this type of scenario of life. However, as a believer, there is a sure fire antidote that will enable you to lay your head down on the pillow after a rough day with a smile on your face and peace in your heart. The antidote is found in Philippians 4:4. It says it this way in the NIV, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! What this scripture is telling you again and again is to find reasons to rejoice, or refuel your joy.

God knows you had a bad day at work, but at least you have a job. So you got stuck in traffic. Well, at least you had a full tank of gas, the air conditioner kept you cool the whole time and you got to listen to the Word you heard preached in church. Yes, the kids should have started dinner, but praise the Lord! You had money in the bank to order take out instead. The best part of that is that you can call in your order and they will bring it straight to your door! Hallelujah.

The enemy will do any and everything to steal your joy. In John 10:10, Jesus said that the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. If the devil can steal your joy, he can kill your faith and destroy your future. That is why in the midst of whatever circumstance you are in your have to find reasons to rejoice. Rejoicing in calamity confuses the devil, counteracts his attacks and causes you to trust in the Lord. Whatever you are going through or whatever bad day you have faced, God will work it all out for His glory.

So today if you find yourself amidst a few contradictory circumstances, refuel your joy! Find reasons to rejoice! The Lord is on your side and He shall give you peace.

Understanding the Kingdom of Heaven in 2011,

Pastor Sheila

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