Readings for the Day
Psalms 31, 35, 95
Ezekiel 18: 1-4, 25-32
Philippians 4: 1-9
John 17: 9-19
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, 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 understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4: 4-7)
How can we rejoice in all things? When a loved one dies? When a natural disaster occurs? When war rages? When we lose our job? When a relationship ends? When our parent, spouse, or child are struggling with addiction? What can it mean to "rejoice always"?
Paul offers here that the act of rejoicing in the Lord is a choice. Amidst any struggle and even during emotional or physical pain, the Lord has promised to share these moments with us. And he does so by offering a "peace which surpasses all understanding." A peace that can accompany the death of a loved one, or the horrors of war, or the disillusionment of a relationship. This is the only kind of peace that can comfort and sustain us when the promises of this world fail us yet again.
Rejoice as choice does not mean celebration of unfortunate incidents or condoning of hurtful actions. It simply allows us to trust God and to live with hope amidst the uncertainty, frustration, and anger that so often befalls our world and our lives.
This promise of Hope, this promise of the Lord's unwavering commitment to us no matter what, gives us every reason to rejoice that we are not alone, nor ultimately defined by our struggles, pains, and doubts. God offers real, lasting, and surprising hope. Always.
Loving God, enliven our spirit during difficult times and help us to live with hope. Amen.
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