BE JOYFUL EVEN IN THIS

05/04/2024

“Although you have never seen Christ, you love him. You don't see him now, but you believe in him. You are extremely happy with joy and praise that can hardly be expressed in words” (1 Peter 1:8).

Psalm 2 declares, “Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the LORD and against his anointed one. “Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God.” But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them.” Today, it might not be nations, but rather situations orchestrating your downfall, yet you are still flourishing, progressing, and moving forward. So why allow yourself to become flustered? The Scriptures encourage us to imitate God (Ephesians 5:1). Therefore, in every circumstance, we should respond with laughter and rejoice with indescribable joy. The truth is, we are not disadvantaged in any way; no matter what comes our way, we are eternal victors in Christ, triumphing over the world, hell, and every force of darkness.

Some may perceive our attitude as nonchalant when faced with those intending to harm our reputation, simply because we respond with joy rather than bitterness or a desire for retaliation. Others might label it as arrogance, but it's not. It's merely a manifestation of confidence in the ministry of the Holy Spirit within us. There's an inner assurance that declares the greatness of the One within us compared to anything the world throws our way. We understand that failure is not an option. Consider this: If God is unaffected by circumstances, why should we be? While some may argue, "But we are not God," remember, as a child of God, you are intricately connected to Him. As 1 Corinthians 6:17 states, “But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.” This means that whatever affects Him affects us. Therefore, if He remains unmoved, so do we. Praise God!

So decide firmly not to be swayed by distractions or transient circumstances from the path of life that God has laid out before you. No matter who or what tries to divert you, stand firm, for victory is already assured. There lies ahead a journey of prosperity, joy, miracles, and boundless growth and expansion that God has ordained for you. Hebrews recounts how Jesus handled distractions that sought to veer Him off course from the divine plan set by the Father. It says, "..who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Let nothing deter you from it. Regardless of what unfolds, victory resides within your spirit. Proclaim it boldly. Glory!

1 Peter 1:8 says, “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” This same faith, demonstrated towards Jesus, is what God expects from you in every circumstance that threatens to distract you. In other words, choose to rejoice in every situation, even if the desired outcome has not yet materialized. Praise God with joy that cannot be put into words, knowing that He never fails, and His Word within you will not fail either. Like David, declare, “I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

God bless you.

FAITH-FILLED CONFESSION:

I am too sweet to be bitter. I have given my attention to Christ Jesus. Therefore I am not moved by the contradictory circumstances. I know they don’t have power over me. In Jesus name!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Kings 10-11; Luke 24:1-35