Always?

It was Saturday, May 22, 2004. Apparently, you get a ticket when you go 13 miles over the limit. It was unnerving and frustrating. But as I pulled away from the shoulder, ticket in hand, I rejoiced the whole way home. You see, my son, Thomas was born the day before. I was (literally) racing home after a night in the hospital to write a sermon and preach the next day. Sure, I was unhappy and frustrated about the ticket, but God had given me a son and nothing could rob me of my joy…not even a ticket.

There are times you receive something so overwhelmingly wonderful that circumstances can’t steal your joy. T

he apostle Paul knew that well. He had been given the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God which meant real strength for living and security for the future. There was a time when Paul didn’t know where he stood with God. He was looking for peace in all the wrong places and headed for certain destruction, but God changed all that with a Savior named Jesus. That gift was everything Paul needed and more.

That’s why Paul could rejoice when he was under house arrest and unable to see the ones he loved. He had joy even when he was uncomfortable, lonely, frustrated. God gave him something so overwhelmingly wonderful that nothing could take that joy away.

My friend, God’s gift to Paul is God’s gift to you. The same forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God are yours in Jesus. Rejoice! You have real strength for living and security for a wonderful, eternal future.

But what about when you're lonely and stuck at home, when you're frustrated or even sad? Yep…ALWAYS! Peace with God through Jesus doesn't depend on circumstances or emotions. With a gift like Jesus, I don't need to tell you twice, but I'd be happy to say it again. Rejoice!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! - Philippians 4:4

Always?