One of the reasons why I believe we live depressed, defeated and discouraged lives is because we have forgotten how to rejoice. The Bible says that we walk and live by faith and not by sight. Most of us are walking by sight and because we stay focused on what we see we allow it to rob us of our joy and keep us from rejoicing. Faith steps out and rejoices even when there is seemly nothing to rejoice about--even in tribulation.
The situation I am in may be difficult. Things may be going wrong. I may be hurting. I may have problems. Life may be hard. But I still have plenty to rejoice about. I can rejoice in the fact that the Lord is my helper in difficulty. I can rejoice because He is with me always and will never leave me-- even in the valley of the shadow of death. I can rejoice because He causes all things to work together for my good. I can rejoice because there is no good thing that the Lord will withhold from me. I can rejoice because He will make a way for me even when there seems to be none. I can rejoice because if He is for me who can be against me. I can rejoice because He promised to supply all my need. I can rejoice because nothing shall separate me from His love. I can rejoice because He goes before me making crooked ways straight. I can rejoice because no weapon formed against me shall prosper. I can rejoice because when I cry out to Him and call upon Him He will answer me. I can rejoice because He holds my life in His hands.
When I begin to rejoice, and not withhold my rejoicing/shouts of praise because it looks like I don't have a reason to rejoice, my head is lifted, my knees are strengthened, my hope is renewed, my faith is increased, my trust in God becomes reaffirmed and the weight of defeat, depression and discouragement is lightened.
Have a great day. Don't stop rejoicing because of what you see in the natural world around you. Rejoice anyway! "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice". (Philippians 4:4)
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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
and is sent to you free of charge for the asking from
About the Master's Business Ministry, Inc.
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