Something To Rejoice About

Something to Rejoice about

ACTS 16:10

Some of us Christians have the bad habit, the chronic spiritual disease that may be called looking and "living on the dark side of life. And the reason for this is that there is an absence of joy in our lives. We dwell on the circumstances of our lives instead of looking unto Jesus who is Joy in the time of trouble. We dwell more on what we have gone through than what God has brought us out of. We dwell more on what we are going through than what we have been brought into. We dwell more on what we don’t have instead of thanking God for what we already do have. We dwell more on what we have suffered than on what God has delievered us from. And if you would ask us what do we think of the Christian life, we will give you a detailed description of the continual conflict, our sad adversities and our dreaded sinfulness. This we will do with hardly any reference to the love, the mercy, the grace and the presence of God that aided us in the time of trouble.

But a Christian who has a healthy soul (you know that we have some Christians with malnurshied souls) comes forward and joyfully says "I will speak, but not for myself, but for the glory and honor of God". We need to remember that God is still in control of every situation and whatever God does it’s either for his Glory or our good. No matter what the circumstances of life may be, we should rember what Paul wrote to the Romans in Romans 8:28, "All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose".

It is true that we have trials and tribulations, but it is just as true that God delivers us out of our trials and gives us strength to overcome temptations. And in order to get out of a trial or tribulation, you first have to go through. It is true that we do have our sins and transgressions, but it is just as true that we have an all-sufficient Saviour who forgives and set us free from sin’s dominion. The more numerous our troubles, the deeper our sorrow, the more racking our pain, the louder should be our thanks and praises to God who has brought us through and preserved us to this present moment. Instead of living and dwelling on the dark side of life, we should be too busy thanking and praising God for the bright side of life.

Everywhere we look, folk are looking for happines. Some folk turn to drugs, but there is no happiness in drugs. Some folk try alcohol, but there is no happiness in alcohol. Some folk look for happiness in their homes, their cars, their children, or their spouse. They may find a little happines, but they don’t have any joy. And you know, there is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness depends on the circumstances. Happiness depends on what you have. Happiness depends on what’s happening. But sooner or later your happiness is going to run out. You will get tired of the things that used to make you happy, because they don’t make you happy anymore. But I’ve got good knews for you today, we all have something to rejoice about. Happiness depends on what’s happening, but joy depends on what has already happened over 2,000 years ago, when Jesus shed his precious blood on Calvary. That’s why I cannot stop, I will not stop, I shall not stop praising the Lord.

Joy is a fruit of the spirit. When you have the spirit of Christ working on the in side there should be some joy on the outside. Tests and trials come to everyone. Some folk teach that the moment you become a Christian all your trials and worries will be over. But that is not so. Because Satan is on the loose and he is going to and fro seeking who he can defile. And one thing about Satan is he knows you and he knows just what you like and that’s what he will tempt you with. And your attitude is what makes the difference between victory and defeat. Your altitude depens on your attitude. If you have an attitude of praise, then your mind will have a heavenly altitude.

When, like Paul and Silas, you choose to praise God in your midnight hour, the power of God will meet your needs and affect the lives of those around you. "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning light.

I believe if a lot of folk would just quit praying over and over again about the same petition and start praising God instead, it wouldn’t be long before they would receive an answer.