REJOICE
I'd like to revisit one of Todd's sermons from mid-February titled "Rejoice", which was the second in a series on rejoicing in the Lord. Let's face it, we're all somewhat coronavirus weary, so this is a good time to revisit his sermon. I had covered some time ago the difference between "happiness" and "joy". Happiness is temporary, a fleeting moment that results in a smile. It's mostly an external thing - kinda like goosebumps or belly laughs. Joy is a state of being - an internal thing that radiates from the inside out. It's not fleeting, but rather something that sticks with you like the joy that comes from raising a child or achieving something of significance.
So what's at the top of our joy list? How 'bout knowing your Creator and understanding how much He loves and desires you?! And what goes hand-in-hand with joy but the need and desire to REJOICE! Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4). The apostle Paul wrote this verse to the Philippian church from prison. No amount of discomfort or suffering could overcome his joy in Jesus Christ. "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want" (Philippians 4:4). Todd reminded us that we are destined to rejoice in the Lord regardless of our external circumstances. "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9). Let that sink in a minute... or two. Peter is talking about YOU! He's describing our new identity which is worth rejoicing all day, every day!
"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory" (Romans 8:16-17). Then Todd reminds us about the "nuts and bolts" of continuous rejoicing: "None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit" (1 Corinthians 2:8-10). Imagine how fortunate we are to have this knowledge and to have accepted this blessing - truly our cause for CONTINUOUS REJOICING!
Finally, Pastor Todd reminds us that we need to spring clean our souls on a regular basis to sustain this joy and sense of rejoicing. "THIS is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).
God Bless!
- John E
