Rejoicing in Trials

by Laurie Aker

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanks- giving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you. (Phil. 4:4-9)

Do you find rejoicing in your circumstances hard to comprehend—even harder to put into practice, maybe even utterly impossible? Paul says to rejoice! We know the trial, difficulty, or tribulation is for our benefit, protection, and God’s glory, but Paul even says we can be thankful for it! He is echoing James’ words to “count it all joy.” Can you do that? Take a moment in your prayer journal to praise God for the trials and tribulations you are experiencing lately and count them all joy. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us if we know the truth, believe the truth, and walk in the truth. Praise be to God Most High. That is truly being victorious! God is glorified, and the enemy is defeated again!

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This blog post is an excerpt from the Thistlebend Discipleship Study Falling in Love Again with Your Lord available here.