Consider it pure joy

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4: 4)

It is a good thing to “rejoice in the Lord.” Perhaps you have tried it but seemed to fail at first. Don’t give it a second thought, and forge ahead. Even when you cannot feel any joy, there is no spring in your step, nor any comfort or encouragement in your life, continue to rejoice and “consider it pure joy” (James 1: 2). “Whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1: 2), regard it as joy, delight in it, and God will reward your faith.

Do you believe that your heavenly Father will let you carry the banner of His victory and joy to the very front of the battle, only to calmly withdraw to see you captured or beaten back by the enemy? NEVER! His Holy Spirit will sustain you in your bold advance and fill your heart with gladness and praise. You will find that your heart is exhilarated and refreshed by the fullness within.

Lord, teach me to rejoice in You— to “be joyful always” (1 Thess. 5: 16).

Let us sing even when we do not feel like it, for in this way we give wings to heavy feet and turn weariness into strength.

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” (Acts 16: 25)

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