Joy, July 16

Joy, July 16

... be filled with the Spirit,
speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

...I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Eph 5:18-19, Phil 4:4, 2 Corinthians 12:10, www.solascriptura.com

Father, Your word says rejoice always. Sometimes Father we feel that true rejoicing in the midst of the trials of this earth is nearly impossible. Thank You for reminding us that we rejoice in the victory of Your presence in all situations. We never suffer or go through trials alone.

Father, we expect our joy in You not to always be accepted by others. Help us not take offense if our pursuit of a relationship with You makes others feel we are rejecting their values and beliefs. We seek to share Your love. Help us, this day, to honor You, no matter how “out of step” we appear to be. In Jesus Holy name, we pray, amen.

Bruce Caldwell