Commanded to Rejoice

1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings.

The Apostle Peter stated a great Christian truth in the form of an amazing paradox: the obedient Christian believer will continue to rejoice and praise God even in the midst of continuing trials and suffering in this earthly life! God’s people know that things here on this earth are not all they ought to be, but they refuse to join the worry brigade. They are too busy rejoicing in the gracious prospect of all that will take place when God fulfills His promises to His redeemed children. This ability to rejoice is demonstrated throughout the Bible, and in the New Testament it rings forth like a silver bell! The life of the normal believing child of God can never become a life of gloom and pessimism, for it is the Holy Spirit of God who keeps us above the kind of gloomy resignation that marks the secularism of the day. We are still able to love the unlovely and as Romans says "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep," for in Peter’s words, “When Christ’s glory shall be revealed you may be glad with exceeding joy!”

We are commanded to rejoice with those who rejoice. So start rejoicing over what you have and even over what you don't have, then watch as you become an influence to others. We either encourage or discourage people by the way we praise and rejoice. Be an encourager today and rejoice over your troubles and watch God turn your situation right around.

Lord, thank You for the reminder that I have not only been forgiven of everything imaginable, but that I have everything to look forward to and therefore, I will rejoice!

Credit: KJV - AW Tozer - Tozer Devotional - HS - TM