The Reason to Rejoice

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails, and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my savior. The sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the Heights Habakkuk 3:17-19

What can I do when everything around me appears to be going wrong, and I see little hope for things to get better? And I feel like I am about to fall apart?

First, I can rejoice. I can rejoice in the Lord. Why? Because He is my eternal Savior and Lord who promises to meet all of my needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19), regardless of what I think or what I see happening around me.

Second, I rejoice in the Lord because He is the Sovereign Lord with ultimate power and endless resources to meet whatever need I have and more. To rejoice in times of struggle is to pre-celebrate our victory over any and all situations. It is a true expression of our faith.

Third, I rejoice in the Lord because He is my strength. When I feel like I do not have the will or the way or the strength to move and make things happen, He makes a way and gives me strength to overcome.

When I am walking through the deepest valley, He enables me to rise above it all to tread on the Heights, to have peace and joy even in the midst of the storm. Thus, I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 

In Philippians, the apostle Paul reflects on the need to rejoice, and gives us some steps to take when dealing with difficult situations in our lives.  He says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts, and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4–7).

So, the first step is to rejoice in the Lord always. He emphasized the importance of this when he said, “I will say it again: Rejoice!” 

The dictionary says that to rejoice is to “have or possess.” We rejoice because we know we have the Lord’s presence in our lives. To rejoice in the Lord is to properly acknowledge and relish His presence and because we have the Lord in our lives, we have confidence that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him. His word says the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. (Romans 8:27b-28a.)

The second step is this: “Do not be anxious about anything.”  This is spoken like a command, as though we have the power and ability to obey; to control anxiety by not allowing it to consume us.  So, do not let it happen. We must take charge and let that faith that is inside of us stand up! and rebuke anxiety in the name of Jesus.

The third step is to pray about everything, in all situations, with thanksgiving and then leave it there. Do not take it with you. Leave it there! He wants us to trust Him.

Finally, claim the promise that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.

To rejoice in the Lord in any and every situation is to affirm His presence, His power and His peace. And so, stand in faith, with confidence, that He will do what His Word says He will do.

My prayer is Lord, teach us how to rejoice, always, in all situations.

-Richard