Rejoice Always

Devotional Reading: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4‭, ‬6‭-‬7 ESV

Anxiety is real. Depression is real. Fear is real. Anyone who says you need to relax and take a deep breath has never dealt with it in their own lives or families. This is also a subject that can be somewhat controversial even within the walls of Christianity. We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, and we have a very real enemy who wants us to feel isolated and in darkness. This is true.

However, what is also true is that fear, depression and anxiety are often rooted in physiological imbalances in our bodies that various medicines can treat. This is not a study or an argument on either side. It is, however, a call to focus on and believe in God’s promises.

Our anchor text says to rejoice. It is hard to rejoice in the middle of the fight, but Scripture says it twice in one verse. Also, the Word does not just say, “do not be anxious,” and leaves us with no solution. The solution is also not just prayer. It’s prayer and supplication with THANKSGIVING. This is key. Paul recount the same thing in 1Thessalnians 5:16-18. He says rejoice, pray and give thanks because that’s God’s will.

When we pause to be thankful for the little things and how God is faithful throughout our lives, anxiety starts to loosen its grip. Did you wake up today? Are you breathing? Where there is life, there is hope. God has given you another breath, another heartbeat, and another reason to be thankful.

It comes with a promise. God’s peace surpasses all understanding and will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. So choose to rejoice in the midst of that anxiety. Yes, it’s hard and that’s why you need to do it.

Prayer and Confession
Take a moment to be thankful and reflect on the victories and testimonies of the past. Rejoice.

Further Reading: Isaiah 12:3, 1Thessalonians 5:16-18