“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 (ASV)
The Bible is pretty clear about when we should rejoice. Always! That includes those times when things are not going our way. The prophet Habakkuk (3:17-18) says it this way: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
I don’t know about you, but I am prone to complain when things don’t go my way. And, I had been deceived into thinking that a little complaining or ”venting” never hurt anyone. This week, as I read Philippians and Habakkuk, I was convicted that rejoicing and complaining cannot coexist. So, if I am to rejoice always, then I should complain NEVER. Ouch. This is going to be hard. But if I really desire to live a life that reflects God’s glory, then a life filled with rejoicing, and not complaining, should be my goal. Even, when life kind of stinks. Even, when losses are real and significant. I can always rejoice in the fact that God does not leave me to handle life’s messes on my own. 2 Peter 1:3 reminds me that, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” Knowing that Christ’s divine power in me provides all that I need to live the life that He calls me to live, gives me sufficient reason to rejoice! Even on those days when nothing seems to be going my way…
How might the church better reflect God’s glory if we become known for rejoicing, not complaining, in every circumstance?
“Lord, You know how hard this is going to be for me. Thank You for modeling a life lived without grumbling. Thank You for Your divine power in me that equips me to live a godly life. Help me to daily choose Your power over my weakness.”
For Your Glory
Ann Skalaski
TRBC Women’s Life
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