Midweek Devotional: Rejoice

Rejoice!!

by Kim Larsen

Philippians 4:4-8 “Rejoice in the Lord always, Again I say rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds. Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthy, think on these things.”

While the Christian’s life will be characterized by humility, it should not be marked with sadness and self deprecation. It is the privilege of everyone so to live that God will approve and bless him. It is not the will of our heavenly Father that we should be ever under condemnation and darkness. GC 477

So, who did you think of when you read the previous two paragraphs? I can think of a couple of people who exhibit these characteristics. Sadly, I felt convicted even as I wrote it. It’s easier to be nice to people that don’t live with you. Am I right? When I think of holy people I certainly don’t think of monks or priests who live away from people. Who are to keep silent. No, no, I think of Mom’s and Dad’s who keep their cool in front of their kids, Grandma’s and Grandpa’s who give of their time and talents for others. Church members who genuinely care if you are absent from church. Pastor’s and Elders who spend time with troubled people. Praying for them and meeting their needs. You never know how much a cheerful disposition can encourage someone else.

I imagine Jesus to be like that. He is called a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. I don’t think that means that he was grumpy and sighing with care. I think he was always wearing a smile on his face. Why else would the children flock to him? They wanted to climb up on his lap, and hug him. Children are pretty good judges of character I think. I took my grandkids to a splash pad a couple of weeks ago. I generally take a blanket and sit in the shade and keep track of their towels, clothing and get their snacks ready. Running around in the cold water really burns calories! This particular time I noticed a grandma, older than myself with her granddaughter. She wasn’t the sit in the shade type of grandma, she had her swim suit on, and was out running through the frigid water with the kids. You should have seen the kids flock to her, each telling her their name and how old they were. She acknowledged each one and grabbed as many hands as she could and squealed just like they did as they were walking through the spray.