Rejoice in the Lord !

Saturday March 19, 2022

Rejoice in the Lord !

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But I know that my redeemer lives, and will rise last on earth. Job 19.25

As suffering fell on Job, his wife offered him the choice of revolt, but he made the choice to trust in God.

Consider what the apostle Paul says in Romans 5:3, regarding his own reaction to his sufferings : "Moreover, we even glory in afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance..." He chose to glorify even the afflictions that befell him. They took various forms : floggings, beatings, stonings, shipwrecks, various perils, pains, vigils, fasts, cold, hunger and thirst... Physical or moral suffering, the apostle was not spared; how did he react ? He gloried in his afflictions.

No one chooses suffering, but when it comes, we can decide to react by relying on God.

Two choices are possible : either live believing that God controls the situation, or let revolt dominate us through anger, bitterness, or rejection of God.

Paul had chosen, in all circumstances, to rejoice in the Lord. He did not want, and it was his choice, that suffering give Satan any advantage.

Listen the voice of God

Let's take the time to listen to what God wants to say. Like Job, remember that your defender lives and will stand up for you.

Praying is simple. Speak to God as you would your closest friend. God loves you and he can hear everything. Here is an example of a prayer : "Lord, at a time when suffering reaches me, I choose to trust in you. I want to use the words of this song which says : "Why be agitated, the storm, instead of abandoning myself well. To God our retirement !" I trust you, I abandon myself into your hands. Amen !"

Praise God

Take a time to thank and praise the Lord today. "Lord, I bless you for your presence, your peace and your consolation in the worst moments of my life. What would I be without you, my God ?"

Act today

Are you going through a period of turmoil or intense suffering ? Abandon yourself right now into the hands of your God who loves you. Your circumstances may not change immediately, but how you navigate them will testify to the presence of God in your life.

Honor the Lord

Our journey for the day ends. Let us pray together to honor our God.

"Lord, thank you for your power is shown in my weakness. Yours is the reign, the power and the glory, amen !"

Paul Calzada

Source (The Thought of the Day)