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Rejoice, Always and Forevermore! (April 25, 2023)

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

As followers of Jesus Christ, we should be the most joyful people on the planet! All too often, however, Christians allow the world to rob us of our joy. One of the Christlike attributes known as the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22), joy is a state of mind and orientation of the heart characterized by abounding contentment, confidence, and hope. Distinguished from the happiness that ebbs and flows with changing circumstances, joy is a deep, soul-soothing delight in the LORD and His promises that abides in us whether times are tough or terrific. Our joy springs from the blessed assurance and eternal hope we have in Christ, our Savior! Blessed as we are as believers, let us rejoice always!

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

Having been reconciled to God and showered with His mercy and grace through the redemptive work of Jesus at Calvary, believers should have hearts bursting with joy that the world can see. Why? The loving heavenly Father has credited our faith in His precious Son as righteousness and sealed our salvation by the empowering Holy Spirit who inhabits the temple of our repentant hearts. Our names have been written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and we have received the most priceless gift imaginable, abundant and everlasting life! We are bound for heaven where we, like Christ, will have glorified bodies and become heirs to the riches of glory! Blessed as we are as members of the body of Christ and children of God, we will rejoice forevermore!

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith---the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:6-9)



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