"May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4 GNB)
This is a solemn command to us, as a believers in Christ Jesus. We must be joyful in the truth that we are in union with God. We must be exceedingly glad that we are related to a Father in heaven.
But unfortunately, this is not our daily experiences. I think the challenge is as a result of the gospel we received. We were wrongly indoctrinated into believing that the goods of this life are excellent sources of joy. Materialism in the name of following Christ, is a strange doctrine.
If we take time to check the most common reasons for our gloominess, it is the lack of one material thing or another. God is asking us to rejoice because we are in union with Him. This must be irrespective of our outward condition(s). It is a tall order, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can be enveloped in the joy of the Lord.
"Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation, and make me willing to obey you." (Psalms 51:12 GNB)
David lost the joy of his union with God when he fell into the sin of adultery. Here he was asking for the restoration of his union with God. Salvation bring us into a union with God. It removes sin, the barrier to a sweet communion with the Lord.
We must also ask the Holy Spirit to help us realise that the greatest possession we have is God Himself. Once it is clear to us that God is our Everlasting Portion, the loss of anything or anyone else will not be a challenge.
I pray we will be able to sincerely join the old saints and say "Give me Jesus and take the whole world away"
ACTION PLAN: Honestly make a quick list of everything that makes you joyful.
PRAYER: Ask the Holy Spirit to replace your list above with God.
This is a solemn command to us, as a believers in Christ Jesus. We must be joyful in the truth that we are in union with God. We must be exceedingly glad that we are related to a Father in heaven.
But unfortunately, this is not our daily experiences. I think the challenge is as a result of the gospel we received. We were wrongly indoctrinated into believing that the goods of this life are excellent sources of joy. Materialism in the name of following Christ, is a strange doctrine.
If we take time to check the most common reasons for our gloominess, it is the lack of one material thing or another. God is asking us to rejoice because we are in union with Him. This must be irrespective of our outward condition(s). It is a tall order, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can be enveloped in the joy of the Lord.
"Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation, and make me willing to obey you." (Psalms 51:12 GNB)
David lost the joy of his union with God when he fell into the sin of adultery. Here he was asking for the restoration of his union with God. Salvation bring us into a union with God. It removes sin, the barrier to a sweet communion with the Lord.
We must also ask the Holy Spirit to help us realise that the greatest possession we have is God Himself. Once it is clear to us that God is our Everlasting Portion, the loss of anything or anyone else will not be a challenge.
I pray we will be able to sincerely join the old saints and say "Give me Jesus and take the whole world away"
ACTION PLAN: Honestly make a quick list of everything that makes you joyful.
PRAYER: Ask the Holy Spirit to replace your list above with God.
