Rejoice!

A stubbed toe as we go to the bathroom, an empty milk bottle as we get breakfast, and by lunchtime we realise we've been in a foul mood all morning. Sometimes, the little things that go wrong can make us grumpy. And that's not adding the more serious stuff that goes wrong!

How could the apostle Paul say that he 'learned the secret of being content in any...situation' (Philippians 4:12 NIV)? Had he created a bubble wrap sock that protected his toes from ever getting stubbed? Or had he taken to hiding the milk to ensure there was enough left for his bowl of Weetbix? Doubt it! We reckon it's probably more to do with the spiritual choices he made. He chose to spend time praising God, even when things were looking bleak. He believed in a God who was greater than his circumstances and more powerful than his emotions.

Paul's secret to being content, no matter what was happening, was: 'Rejoice in the Lord always' (Philippians 4:4 NIV). The original Greek for rejoicing, 'chairo', is often translated as 'to experience God's grace', or to be 'conscious of his favour'. Let's stay conscious of that grace and, like Paul, go about our day rejoicing.



So what now? Sing! Seriously. Sing the most cheerful worship song you know, out loud and with passion. And, contact some church friends and organise a worship time. Share your 'chairo' with the world, and let them witness how God brings contentment into your life, despite its challenges.





— SCRIPTURE —

'I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.' Philippians 4:13 NLT
— SOULFOOD —

Eze 5-9, Matt 21:12-17, Ps 119:169-176 , Pro 19:9-10