“Rejoice always” - 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Really?!  Always?!  As I pen this pastor’s desk I don’t feel much like rejoicing, praying yes, rejoicing no!  One of my grandchildren, Rosyln Clair (Rozzi) is going through some physical issues as I write (she will be 4 in April).  I don’t want to rejoice, I want God to intervene!  

I can imagine just a little bit how the disciples felt as they helplessly stood by as Jesus was scourged and crucified - rejoice? - seriously!?

I’m sure they had flashbacks of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem that palm Sunday - “blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD” and just a few days later the crowd shouting “crucify Him, crucify Him!”  I don’t mean to compare what Rozzi is going through to what Jesus went through at all, but hopefully you get my point, because I’m sure you have felt and thought the same thing at times - “rejoice?!”

Circumstances of life can/do change so quick!  I think that is the point of praise, that although our circumstances change - God doesn’t!  His sovereignty does not change.  No matter our circumstances and situation, God is still all-knowing, all-powerful, ever-present and worthy of our praise at all times.

When the “religious” people told Jesus to rebuke His disciples for shouting their praises, Jesus responded, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out!” (cf. Luke 19: 39-40)

Jesus knows what we are going through and He cares.  He loves us so much, more than our love for one another.  He has made all things new, but we are not in heaven yet, and our circumstance remind us of that fact.

Yes I will pray, I will continually go before the throne of grace for Rozzi and for so many others that are on my heart and mind, but I will not neglect to praise Him with my mouth and life!

“O I’ll never cease to praise Him, hallelujah, for He gives me peace abounding every day, He redeemed me from my sins and fully cleansed me, and I find His service sweeter all the way” - “I will praise Him for the strength He daily gives me” - D. Otis Teasley

“You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.”  Rev.4:11

Pastor Rodney