Rejoice Always

Rejoice always. — 1 Thessalonians 5:16

If you’re waiting for everything in life to be perfect in order to begin rejoicing, then here’s a rather disappointing spoiler alert: life will never be all sunshine and roses; thorns and clouds will always make an appearance. Jesus said it this way,

In this world you will have trouble. — John 16:33

Though it may not seem so at first, this is actually good news. We don’t have to wake up each day and examine our current circumstances before choosing to live joyfully.

Every moment of every day is the perfect time to rejoice.
Paul, the same one who taught us to be content in every circumstance (Philippians 4:12), instructs us to rejoice in every circumstance as well.

Christ died so that we could live joyfully; let’s embrace it. Let’s rejoice when the load seems heavy because we know we don’t bear it alone. Let’s rejoice when there’s more month than money because we know our God provides. Let’s rejoice, well, always.

Thank You, Lord, that my joy is not dependent on any person or circumstance. Now is the right time to begin living joyfully.

Excerpted from 365 Devotions for Living Joyfully.