Rejoice! Who me?

Yesterday, I wrote a devotion about Philippians 4:4-8.  Basically, I paraphrased this scripture;  and, I want to say something about what I wrote, because I know many of you may find the thought of being happy all the time hard to swallow.  Guess what!  I agree.  I doubt anyone is happy all the time:  it sounds impossible.  However, that is what I saw yesterday, as I read the scripture.

There is a joy that goes beyond being happy all the time.  And this joy is only available through knowing Jesus Christ, through trusting Him as the Lord of your life, as your Savior.  If you know Jesus, there is always a reason to rejoice.  Paul said, "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice (KJV, Phil. 4:40).  I think he was speaking of celebration.  Celebrate the Lord always, because knowing the Lord gives us reason to rejoice.  

Life doesn't always go the way we want it to go.  Things happen--sometimes, really bad things.  However, our attitude about life can make a difference.  Trusting in God and rejoicing in Him can make a difference.  You may say, she doesn't know:  I bet her life is great all the time.  No, it's not:  I watched my son die in a hospital.  I had a son-in-law that died in a car crash.  However, God gave my family and myself the strength to go through those things.  I can rejoice in God, because in the midst of horrible circumstances, He gives  peace that passes all understanding.