Rejoice Always

1 Thessalonians 5:16 NKJV simply states 'rejoice always' or in some translations, 'always be joyful'. Well that's not always easy. We have a tendency to rejoice when we are happy. When things go well. But, that's not what God wants. He wants you to REJOICE even in tragic circumstances. And he's given us the ability to REJOICE when things go wrong. Even when terrorists kill thousands of innocent lives and effect the citizens of over 100 nations. The world trade centers alone housed more than 430 companies from 28 countries. We will never even know the exact death toll. But the Bible says rejoice always. What???

Just in case we didn't get it the first time, it is written a few more times. Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say rejoice... That's a tall order. How is that even possible or appropriate?

James recounted the principle in his first chapter, vs. 2: "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials."

It means that we can have a deep down knowing that it will all work out. It will all be OK. It all happens just as it should and God is in control. It's knowing God didn't cause it, but if you go through it the right way, he will help you fix it.

Our soul can experience a variety of painful emotions when tragedy strikes, our mind can search for a solution, our will can be challenged. But deep down - if we get and stay quiet a bit - we can sense that God is in control. That sense can give us the confidence, strength and determination to go on. That kind of rejoicing can only come from God and bubbles up in our spirits. But, why didn't he just say that through His spirit you will muster the courage to muddle through? Instead he gave a command to rejoice.

Because rejoicing is a choice. You chose to follow God's will. You choose to control your emotions. To be dignified and graceful rather than assuming a victim mentality. You choose to understand that no matter what goes wrong, no matter what the trial, test or temptation, that you can choose to not focus on the problem but the solution. You can choose to believe the promises written in His Word. You can choose to find scriptures which comfort you and give you hope and hold on to them. Even in the midst of the unthinkable. When a nation is effected and thousands of families and businesses literally must rise from the ashes. It's hard to choose rejoicing. Sometimes we want to choose to sit alone in the dark and eat Ben and Jerry's. I struggle with choosing positive emotions in negative circumstances. I believe, however, that after a time of mourning, that pain and indignation at being unjustly treated can be the very fuel which drives you to rise up and stand for what is right. If Jesus had not wept over Jerusalem, knowing how far they were from God's peace, and wanting that for them, He may not have chosen the cross to save them. It was a hard decision. He suffered just praying about it. He sweat blood over it.

Peter learned the hard way the principle of focusing on Jesus as he sunk in the water after walking on it. Later in 1 Peter 4:12, inspired by the Holy Spirit, he writes "Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. ¹³ Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. ¹⁴ So be happy when you are insulted for being a Christian,^[a] for then the glorious Spirit of God^[b] rests upon you.^[c] .

Today I am reminded of a terrible tragedy, remembering the thousands of families torn apart. I have not stopped praying for them. But in the midst of the tragedy, I also recall a time of rejoicing. The prayer vigils, the unity in diversity, the help and sacrifice of all those who volunteered in the massive cleanup, the flags waving proudly on cars across the nation and the sense of rebuilding, renewal and a collective longing for what is right that our country experienced in 2001. I think about the song lyrics by Israel Houghton and Jon Stockstill and make it my prayer for the Church today...

Let the Church rise from the ashes
Let the Church fall to her knees
Let us be light in the darkness
Let the Church rise...

For those effected by 9/11/01 personally, May God bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you. May you rise from the ashes and know God loves you. May you shine once again and be an example to those you personally touch. IJN, Amen

All my love to those I don't know, but continually pray for, Anne Arvizu