2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Calendar
JUNE 23, 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Irene was a child who loved to brood. Although she was good in her studies, she was never satisfied. If she got high marks, she’d want higher scores. She would be unhappy at the slightest problem, and often pulled a long face. Her mum has been praying for her and one day, decided to share with her a verse. What verse was that? It happens to be today’s text. What does today’s text say? Rejoice evermore! Mum said – as Christians, we are to rejoice. And not just once in a while, but evermore!
When was the last time you rejoiced? What is the meaning of rejoicing? Is it to laugh and make merry? Is it to tell jokes and slap each others’ backs? The idea of rejoicing is not making merry or telling jokes, but always joyful in our hearts because of the wonderful gift of love and salvation God gave us.
But how can we rejoice all the time? What about times when difficulties come our way? Or when we do badly in school? Or when our parents quarrel a lot? The idea is not to be happy because of the problems but happy that despite the problems, we trust that God will still be in control of all things. It is this quiet confidence in a faithful God who will abide and lead us.
Sometimes it is not easy to rejoice because we have problems. You see, God allows these problems to come our way. And that is why the next verse (for tomorrow’s reading) teaches us what to do when we need God’s help...
This face represents someone who has trusted in God and who is grateful to Him for His wonderful grace.
Colour the face with happy colours!
Thought: May I rejoice evermore!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank God for the reminder that I am to rejoice evermore. Teach me that rejoicing is possible even when times are hard, because I have You! This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.