Philippians 4:4

"Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

Rejoice. A fairly simple word. Meaning: To be glad; take delight; to make joyful. Sounds easy. So why is it so hard?

We were called to take delight in the Lord. Easier said than done. There are so many things in this world that we don't have or that don't happen to us when we want. WANT, such a dangerous word in our world today. It is also probably one of the most used words too. Why? Because we live in a self-centered world. A world that is so focused and the here and nows of our own lives that we easily forget about the there and futures of others. I am the best at being me focused. And what's worse is that I have even gotten so good at being so selfish that I blame, blame, blame or do something for "others" because it will in some way benefit me. I'm so ashamed of that lifestyle. But, could you imagine what our lives' would be like if we served a God that was that selfish? I don't even like thinking about it. Everything God ever does is out of love. And Love is selfless. There would be no hope, no forgiveness, no life, no renewal, nothing without the selfless love of our Lord. Our Lord who would have found something better to do than die on a cross for a bunch of sinners, if He were a selfish guy. But, He isn't. And we are free! And for that reason we are called to REJOICE! And Paul was serious when he told us to take delight in God. (Hense, the repetition!) Paul of all people would know the effect of rejoicing and giving the glory to God. He is one of the most obvious transformations in the Bible! And God did some amazing things through Him! God is busy in our lives just like he was in Paul's. Our God is alive! And we need to give Him the glory for everything! Even when it doesn't seem easy. James 1:2 says, "Consider it pure JOY my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." More repetition! (Just new wording!) We need to ALWAYS be glad in the God who has given us ALL that we have. The Author and Perfector of our Salvation. The Way, the Truth, and the Life. Rejoice in Him. The Perfect Example of True, Selfless Love. Rejoice in Him ALWAYS! He deserves it!

Give THANKS to the Lord,

His [selfless] love endures forever!