Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
– Philippians 4:4-7
The word "rejoice" is underused and shunned in today's world. More often it seems people choose to show the opposite of "rejoice" -- to be sad or sullen or to lament their troubles.
Yet, what do we all yearn for -- to be glad, happy, delighted and delighted in life. That is the very definition of “rejoice.” Doesn’t that sound wonderful? Wouldn’t you like to be around someone who is delighted in life? Wouldn’t it be delightful to “be anxious for nothing?” Those words were written almost 2,000 years ago from the apostle Paul, and yet in 2013, those words ring truer than ever before. It seems the more we have, the more we are anxious for everything.
Have you considered how you appear to others? Do you frown before you smile, turn away instead of turning toward someone? Do you ignore connecting with an old friend or colleague reaching out to you?
Take a chance today -- maybe each day this week -- to share unexpected joy with someone. Do not fear, simply "rejoice" in the life you have and then watch the way the joy you share works on the people around you. “Let your gentle spirit be known to all men.” Watch as the tension begins to subside. Listen as they share words that go deeper than the surface conversation. Feel as they embrace you with thanksgiving for showing kindness and watchin amazement as God works in all our lives with the peace that surpasses all understanding. Amen.
Comments