RHAPSODY OF REALITIES TEEVO DEVOTIONAL ; 10TH APRIL , 2018;
A JOYFUL RESPONSE
(God Wants You Always Rejoicing)
TO THE BIBLE – Philippians 4:4 AMPC
“Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!”
LET’S TALK
Philippe was a very brilliant, diligent student and was always making good grades in his courses. There was never a semester where he would get any grade less than a “B.” But when the day came, when he scored a “D,” rather than flare up at himself immensely, or blame himself for not having done better, he maintained his cool and gave God praise. His joy never dwindled because he knew he’d perform much better next time. That’s the way to respond to situations.
The Lord always wants us to rejoice in whatever state we find ourselves. If you observe our opening scripture carefully, you’ll notice He didn’t say anything about what you’re going through. He didn’t say you should rejoice only when things are going on well or when everything is moving on smoothly. No, He said we should rejoice in the Lord always.
You may say, “Well, I’m going through a hard time right now, so I can’t rejoice.” The Scripture we just read isn’t a suggestion from the Lord, but an instruction! The Lord wouldn’t instruct you to do anything He hasn’t given you the ability to accomplish. So when He told you to rejoice always, He knew you could do it.
Paul and Silas could have been the saddest people on earth when they were imprisoned after being accused falsely. Instead, they rejoiced, singing praises unto God in their prison cell. Though their hands and feet were chained, they sang aloud and other prisoners heard them. Guess what? A miracle happened! (Acts 16:25-26).
There’s no telling what God can do when you forget about yourself; your pains, discomfort and inadequacies, and set your focus on the Holy Spirit. He’s inside you to help, build, strengthen, encourage, lead, and guide you.
Go Deeper
Habakkuk 3:18; Romans 14:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Speak
I’ve made up my mind to rejoice in the Lord always, no matter the conditions I find myself in. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Therefore, I will continually be happy in the God of my salvation. I live in His presence all the days of my life where there’s fullness of joy and pleasures forever more.
Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Luke 12:22-48, Judges 9
TWO YEAR
Mark 1:1-13, Leviticus 10
Act
Take some time to rejoice in the Lord for a few minutes.