It may not seem realistic for God to tell us always to rejoice.
A highly intelligent young man had been miraculously protected and blessed by the Lord. He came from a broken home where a prescription-addicted mother had raised him. But he understood his dependency on the Lord.
Later, despite little formal education after high school, he became the co-owner of a prosperous company. His personal relationship with Jesus produced a beautifully spirited man. Then, both of his children declared they were living a lifestyle he disapproved of.
He had a choice between what the Bible said and what the current humanistic philosophy promoted.
Unfortunately, he emotionally justified his children’s behavior by saying their choice was not a lifestyle, but who they were. He rejected what the Bible declared and moved away from believing it.
In turn, his parents sorrowed over his decision, but they remembered the Bible says nothing in this world can separate God’s children from God’s love in Christ Jesus. They realized their adult son was not their responsibility any longer. He had to answer to the Lord as they did. Still, they prayed he would return to the Lord as they trusted in God’s promises.
Attempting to live with our emotions and weaknesses—always to rejoice—is difficult. We live in a fast-paced, over-materialistic world that is increasingly losing contact with God’s teachings. Yet God can help us rejoice always, regardless of our circumstances.
Look for the joy, even in dire situations.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay and TerriAnneAllen.)
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The Rev. Dr. Bob Segress served as a licensed psychological clinician for twenty-five years. Upon retiring, he served for fifteen years as a prison minister. Retiring again, he began writing full-time after a period of boredom. He has written: The Biblical Approach To Psychology while serving as a college educator, The Shelton Series, and, in 2012, Ten Years Inside Shelton Prison. Currently, he writes for several publications such as Halo Magazine.