FROM THE GENERAL OVERSEER, Pastor (Dr) E. O. Abina GOFAMINT REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, 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 guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil.4:4-7). Joy is the gift of the Spirit and it is an expression of what is going on in the mind. As good as this virtue is, it is not always easy to express the way it should be done but our text enjoins us to rejoice in the Lord always. We may ask ourselves this question? Is it possible for Christians to rejoice always in view of the various heart-breaking events and news around of which Christians are also affected. The answer is yes even though it is not easy but it is possible. The apostle Paul who wrote this letter to the Christians in Philippi suffered serious persecution when he was in that city, he and Silas were imprisoned because they delivered a demon-possessed girl, but God intervened and delivered them when they prayed and were singing praises to God in the night. Instead of groaning or complaining or engaging in self-pity, they prayed and started rejoicing in the Lord believing that God was still in control. In fact Paul was probably in prison at Rome when he wrote this letter to the Philippians. I do not know what you are presently passing through but God’s word says rejoice in the Lord. There are several reasons why Christians should rejoice in the Lord always: (a) our sins are forgiven and we have peace with God (b) Our God is still in control of every situation no matter what we are passing through (c) there is no condemnation for us who are in Christ Jesus, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit (d) We have passed from death to life, (e) the joy of the Lord is the strength of us His people (f) we have a caring heavenly father who never dies. (g) instead of being sorrowful and complaining, we can communicate our needs to God through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving (h) we have the promise of the second coming of our lord Jesus Christ which shall put an end to all our problems and sorrows and then we shall be with Him forever. Our names are written in the Book of Life in which you scarcely find the names of the nobles and aristocrats of this world, and a lot more. When we sit down to put all the above together, you realize that Christians have good reasons to rejoice in the Lord always not just occasionally. Whenever you have any situation that causes sorrow, weeping is not the solution James 5:13 says, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray”- that is the solution to your trouble. Just cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you. That is the way we may enjoy our Anchor this year. When your mind is stayed on the Lord, you will have peace of mind. When there is peace in the mind the heart will express joy. Your present circumstance though may not be palatable yet you are to rejoice because our God is in control. Do not let your circumstance steal away your joy. The joy of the Lord is the strength of His people. The only thing that could cause a Christian legitimate sorrow is when he/she involves himself/ herself in sin; and even in that situation, the sorrow should lead the Christian to genuine repentance. See IICor.7:9,10. I pray that the Lord will turn your sorrow to joy: Stand up and begin to sing the song: Be Glad In The Lord And Rejoice G.H.B.9
Posted on: Thu, 01 Aug 2013 09:53:34 +0000
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