Thessalonians 5:16
“Rejoice always.”
This charge is given amongst a list of how we are to conduct ourselves in life and relationships. Prior to this Paul spoke of not repaying evil for evil. This goes against our instinctive response. When someone wrongs us, we want to respond in kind. However, the Lord wants us to live on a higher plane. He models His patience.
In the midst of dealing with difficult people, we are to rejoice. We aren’t to do so for their sake or that they are giving us grief. We are to see all this through the eyes of faith. God is doing something good. While part of the plan feels bitter, He will work it for good. Our job is to be patient.
To rejoice demonstrates our faith. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Our hope is that God will work it out for good. Our faith trusts Him. It’s not now, but soon. Faith believes this to an extent that we can rejoice as if we’ve already received it.
Lord, help us to rejoice. Help us to have the faith to see beyond our difficulties. We may be distressed, yet You want to bring us through. Help us to trust and rejoice until deliverance comes.