Sometimes we can have a tendency to "know" the Word in our head, but never REALLY grasp what the instruction is - TO ME! The verse I am thinking of especially today is Philippians 4:4:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!
We have covered "rejoice" before on this blog, but today I want to look at "alway". This is the Greek word "pantote", which means: every when; at all times; ever; evermore. This is saying that there will NEVER be a time when we are unable to rejoice! How do I know that? Because the God of the Bible said that He would NOT allow me to be "tempted" beyond what I could endure and overcome (1 Corinthians 10:13)! In other words, He would NOT ask me to do something that He hadn't already provided the means to carry it out. So, rejoice WHEN you are in the middle of any troubling situation and EXPECT the God of the Bible to lead you on to VICTORY!!! AMEN! In fact, He gives this instruction in verse 6 that will help us to rejoice!
6 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
Verse 8 is another instruction that will make it even easier to rejoice!
8 For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
Doing these things will cause us to walk in the peace of God (verse 7) that is beyond human comprehension! We may look to the unsaved world as though we are either crazy or uncaring, but to the God of the Bible, we will be well pleasing! HIS opinion is the only one I value! How about YOU? Here is Hillsong with "Desert Song":
Shalom in Him!
