Rejoice In the Lord

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

2 Corinthians 4: 7-9

Lately, many of my close friends have been going through tough times. When we’re struggling, confused, persecuted, or defeated, what words of encouragement can we offer to loved ones or ourselves who are crushed, hopeless, abandoned, and destroyed? What is the answer?

The answer lies in 1 Peter 1:6-7. "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire— may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. "

Another verse we know is Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

How do we do this? What does it mean to rejoice in the Lord?

The scripture talks about a sacrifice of praise. It starts with turning to the Lord and leaning into Him. As we focus on the Lord, we realize that He is greater than all our trials and sorrows. He is the strong one!

The words from the song “How He Loves Us” pulled me out of despair at a very difficult time in my life. The visual illustrations of a tree bending in the wind or drowning in an ocean, and the unforeseen kiss,

convey God’s love surrounding us at all times. He is the answer!

As I reflected on "rejoicing in the Lord", I was reminded of my Australian Shepherd, Pace. He has a fondness for sitting on my feet and leaning into me with his entire body. It is as if he is unable to satisfy his desire for closeness. This illustration is simply a reminder to not forget to lean into God, instead of thinking He’s far away and we have to make things better ourselves. God’s love surrounds us. So, let’s rejoice in Him! Try to think about the little word “in.” That small word is really powerful. Worship the Lord, draw close to Him, and rejoice IN HIM!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buxx98Jc3p4

And He is jealous for me

Love's like a hurricane, I am a tree

Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy

When all of a sudden

I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory

And I realize just how beautiful You are

And how great Your affections are for me

Oh, how He loves

And we are His portion and He is our prize

Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes

If His grace is an ocean, we're all sinking

And heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss

And my heart turns violently inside of my chest

I don't have time to maintain these regrets

When I think about, the way...