Have you ever thought about why we are called to rejoice in the Lord? I tend to be an optimist by nature, which can have both its perks and its dangerous aspects. It can be good in the sense that I am always looking for the bright side, but the danger comes when my gaze is transfixed on my circumstances rather than Jesus himself. This statement from Paul goes far beyond situations or circumstances… and it goes beyond temperament or personality type. It’s about having steadfast assurance and safety. We don’t have to be our own keepers, protectors, or sustainers. Anyone who calls Jesus Lord can rejoice, because the Lord your God is near.
I recently read a quote by Charles Spurgeon that talked about how those who find their joy in the Lord are always sweetly occupied with higher things. How they are not moved or distracted by little troubles that come. I think when our minds are continually rejoicing in the Lord, we can’t help but overflow with gentleness that’s evident to all. I am most certainly not downplaying any difficult circumstance we walk through… Jesus understands those too. But on the contrary, how much more powerful do these verses become when we do walk through difficult times? The Lord promises to be near to the brokenhearted, and if the Lord is near, we can rejoice. I encourage you today to pause, take a deep breath, and remember the sweet safety and assurance you have in Jesus Christ. I pray that the gentleness you experience from Christ himself will overflow into every other part of your life today.