That's a strange command, isn't it? When you think about it, it's odd to demand that people are "joyful." While it doesn't mean "be happy all the time," it's a similar instruction. How can we just "be joyful"? Isn't that outside our control? What if life is hard and unpleasant?
Well, that's kind of what Paul means. Even when life IS hard and unpleasant, we should find joy in God. We should unite ourselves with Him, and let His joy flow into our hearts and lives, even in the middle of tough situations. When Paul told the churches to "Rejoice in the Lord always... again, I say: rejoice!" he was probably in prison. Paul had a rough life (which he tells us all about) and yet he told us, over and over, to be joyful.
So no matter your circumstance today, whatever is happening in your life, even if it's really hard.... ask Him to help you be full of joy. And when He sends that joy, don't fight it. Don't hold on to your sour feelings or your negative disposition. Let Him make you joyful. He's good at that.
God, thank You for not only wanting us to be joyful, but even demanding it.
1 comment:
Amen
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