Again I Will Say

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Again I Will Say…

Every time we feel sorry for ourselves  for all the garbage  that seems to be coming our way,  we are not seeing the true picture  of things.     Yes,  bad and even really devastating things  really have happened.     But,  there is something far greater  than the tests we are facing  at this moment.

Because our testing is so personal  and cuts so deep,  our first reaction is to center only  on ourselves  and our dilemma.     That’s the small picture  of our tiny, little corner  of this world,  in which time is very fleeting.     In the bigger picture  of all things considered,  there is the awesomeness  of God’s sacrificial love for us  and His eternal wisdom  in teaching us the meaning  of a true faith.

Everyone faces heartache and suffering.     But,  in the midst of their suffering,  various writers  of the Bible  have said the following:

Philippians 4:4
Rejoice  in the Lord always,  again I will say,  rejoice!

Psalm 34:2   
My soul shall make its boast  in the LORD;    
The humble shall hear it  and rejoice.   
O magnify the LORD  with me,   
And let us exalt His name together.

Psalm 103:1
Bless the LORD,  O my soul;    
And all that is within me,  bless His holy name.

Psalm 118:24
This is the day  which the LORD has made;    
Let us rejoice  and be glad in it.

Isaiah 61:10
I will rejoice greatly  in the LORD,    
My soul will exult  in my God;   
For He has clothed me  with garments  of salvation,   
He has wrapped me  with a robe  of righteousness.

There are many other examples showing  that we can have joy  in the midst  of our pain.     But,  what are the reasons for joy  when our world seems so topsy-turvy?     First,  we can be ever so glad  that the LORD is God and King over all.     There isn’t anything  He doesn’t rule over.      Second,  God’s wisdom is so far beyond our understanding,  we know He will carry us through  and truly knows  what is best  for us  in the long run.    Third,  God is almighty.     He is not some dumb idol  that cannot move,  speak  or think.     Fourth,  the LORD is everlasting.     God has no beginning  and no end,  so His almighty love  will endure forever.     Fifth,  God does not change.     He will always be the same yesterday,  today,  and forever.     So,  we know we can surely trust Him  and His promises  for us.     Sixth,  God is so gracious  in loving us sinners  and making us actually righteous  through faith  in the blood of Jesus.     He has promised  to sanctify us  and lead us  to our home in heaven.     God is working in us  through our trials.     Let Him work.

When we remember  and turn  to these truths  during our times  of trials and temptations,  we will be strengthened  to rejoice  from the bottom  of our hearts.     Basically,  all these inspired writers  of the Bible  are saying  that we need to look  at the whole truth  of our life experiences  on this earth.     Real life extends  into eternity.     Everything on this earth is temporary.     That is why we can afford  to stand up strong  for every truth  about our Lord and Savior.     And,  that is why we can rejoice  in our trials  as we live  for the LORD of lords.

Looking at the whole picture  of God’s love and might,  we say,  “Hallelujah!     Lord,  thank You  for pointing me to Your awesome greatness,  so that I can remember  to rest and rejoice  in Your loving arms.”

Love,
Margaret

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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and God of gods

 

Pray for our country.

 

This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

 

The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield  to all  who take refuge  in Him.
Psalm 18:30

 

Sing for joy in the LORD,  O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming  to the upright.
Psalm 33:1

How blessed are those  who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4

 

Just as a father has compassion  on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13

 

Oh give thanks to the LORD,  for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1

 

Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3

 

Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that
I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12

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