Rejoice…. ALWAYS

1Thes 5:16-24 tells us to – Rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in everything… because He who calls us faithful.

It’s easy to rejoice and be thankful when things are going well and promises have been fulfilled. But it’s what we do when we’re waiting. I think for most of us, we feel like the waiting part takes up most of our journey. I challenge you to take a different perspective of ‘waiting’. Because it’s in these moments that we are groomed, fashioned, refined.

Being refined… not easy. It means dying to self, letting go so that God can give you something better. Trusting in a way that you neither feel capable of or comfortable with. Believing with every ounce of your being that God has the very best for you – and not doubting it. REFINED… and REJOICING along the way.

In the last few months, my husband and I have been on quite a journey of faith and hope. Earlier this year we were blessed to find out that we were having another baby. Not just any baby – one that God truly has purposed ‘for such a time as this’. From almost the beginning of our pregnancy, we’ve been bombarded with words from our doctors of the possibilities of death and lack. And throughout each day and week of this baby’s life we have felt nothing but joy and anticipation of God’s faithfulness. And each doctor’s visit brought confirmation of our faith and fulfillment of our prayers. A recent doctor’s visit has landed me in the hospital for a few days for monitoring. Words from the doctor ‘I’m puzzled – your baby shouldn’t be doing as well as he is, but he’s perfectly healthy and strong’. And as I sit here in the hospital at 31 weeks being carefully monitored – I am reminded that God uses the weak to shame the strong (paraphrased 1 Cor 1:27). 
All this to say – it’s not the circumstance that we should focus on. It’s what God’s word says about us, and how he will carry, provide, strengthen and bless us.

‘I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you.
Isaiah 43:2

I am so thankful for the time spent in the mornings reflecting on God’s word. So INCREDIBLY thankful that I’ve bookmarked verses of faith, hope, and rejoicing. I encourage you to do the same.  You may not think it too important as you do it daily and ‘ritualistically’ but there will come a time when these words of hope will flood your soul and give you unimaginable peace. So I leave you with a few of my favorites to help you build or maybe even start your list of God’s promises.

So don’t throw away your confidence, which has great reward. For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God; those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5

Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
Psalms 55:22

Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and He will act, making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday.
Psalms 37:4-6

For I know the plans I have for you, plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11