Today’s devotion comes from my 14-year-old son. He hopes it’s both comforting and challenging.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
We should learn to be full of joy in all situations. People often complain and gripe about their circumstances. It is important for you to find joy in all situations because then you will have peace and hope for the future.
In Philippians 4:4 Paul, who was in prison at the time, told people to “always rejoice in the Lord”. People show joy in lots of places—football games, concerts and birthday parties. Paul said to rejoice “in the Lord”. You are to be thankful for everything God has given you, and will give to you.
Paul also said to rejoice “always”. That means all the time and forever. You are not to just rejoice when things go well but also when things go badly or when you have doubts and lose faith. Joy does not depend on everything going well. Even when things are bad you can still have joy. Joy is different from happiness. People are happy when things are going well. Joy is having peace even in bad times because you know God is in control.
We are told to have joy in God all the time. You can have joy by thanking God for what you have instead of grumbling about what you don’t have. Imagine if everyone was full of joy no matter what their circumstances were. The world would be a better place. There wouldn’t be so much violence and fighting. What is the worst thing you are facing right now? Can you find anything in your situation to be thankful for? God’s Word teaches us that we can have joy all the time, even in difficult times.
Prayer: “God, help me to be full of joy even when life is full of stress. Help me to know your peace and find a reason to be thankful. Amen”
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