STILL I WILL REJOICE
"Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls—
18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:17-18.
In life there are times when it's kind of easy to trust in God's goodness, and to praise Him because He has been good to us. Yet there are other times when things are falling apart. These are times when sorrow fills our hearts and we wonder if God really care about us. In such times, can we still trust in God's love? How can we be joyful in pain, COVID-19, rejection or distress? Is it possible to rejoice when we're going through tough times?
The Bible reading for this sermon is an account of Prophet Habakkuk who got to a point in his life (and the children of Israel as well), when things were so bad. They were in a totally difficult and depressing times. But rather than murmur or worry, Habakkuk chose to rejoice in the Lord God. Even with things falling apart, he chose to rejoice. The future may look bleak, but his heart blooms with joy. Difficulties couldn't dictate his joy.
The word “still” in this context means regardless of what's going on, I will rejoice in the Lord. It also means however and regardless of the situation and circumstance I will be glad in the Lord. Other words for "still" in this context means notwithstanding, in-spite-of, despite, yet, but, though, although, and until now. The word "rejoice" means to delight, glory, exult, joy, triumph, gladden, delight, be glad, cheer and enliven. The Bible commands us to rejoice always for the joy of the Lord is our strength. No storm should keep us downcast.
"23 And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. 24 Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them." Acts 16:23-25.
It is so easy for us to read passages like this and miss the cruelty of what happened and is being communicated! They were guilty of preaching the gospel of the Lord Jesus. Those were the charges against Paul and Silas. They were beaten with stick without trials. Beatings like these would often lead to deep bruises, swellings, external and internal bleeding and broken ribs. After this severe beating, and likely still in severe pain, they are ordered bound by leg and thrown into the deepest and darkest part of the prison. There were probably rats and snakes in this part of the prison. It is also likely to be a disgusting place with smelly water, urine and excrement. Yet what do we find Paul and Silas doing? They are singing and praising God so loud enough that the other prisoners in other parts of the prison could hear them. Yes they were in prison but the most important thing for Paul and Silas was not the pain, injustice and suffering. They were rejoicing, because of the presence of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” Matthew 28:20. What happened next? The prison doors opened, their chains fell off and they walked out as free men. Are you singing in your prison cell? Are you worshiping God in the midst of a seemingly hopeless situation? Your prison doors may not fly open, but the presence of God is with you always, even in the darkest nights.
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" Philippians 4:4.
At the time the apostle Paul wrote this epistle to the Philippian church and encouraging them to rejoice in the Lord he was locked up in a prison for preaching the Gospel of Jesus. Yet he told his readers to rejoice! Joy is not found in the world. It is not found in other people. Joy is not in circumstances and unfavourable situations. To rejoice is to take delight in the source of our joy and the Hope of the hopeless. You can keep a bright outlook in the midst of hardship! We can have peace when we know that the Lord Himself is close at hand.
"Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell upon the ground, and worshiped." Job 1:20. Though troubled, afflicted with grief and tragedies Job worshiped! He chose to rejoice in the Lord.
THE STORMS OF LIFE:
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all." Psalm 34:19.
We all go through tough times. None is exempted! In Matthew 5:45 Jesus said, "It rains on the just and the unjust too." Being a person of faith doesn’t immune us from the troubles of life. Some are even going through theirs now! It may be in your marriage, business, health, ministry, relationship, job, school, or finances. And this is true today as we try to make sense of the pandemic COVID-19 which is rapidly spreading. But we should not panic when facing troubles. Rather we should see them as perfect time and reason to draw closer to the Lord. We must be resolute, faithful and steadfast because God is trustworthy! We can bank on Him. We can rejoice because God has not abandon us and He'll surely see us through. Isaiah 43:2. Be encouraged.
WHY SHOULD WE REJOICE IN AFFLICTIONS?
1. It attracts God into our situations.
2. Rejoicing in afflictions makes God to open a greater channel of blessing for us.
3. It satisfies God. Psalm 50:12-14.
4. Giving thanks to God in the midst of afflictions provokes His intervention.
5. It is the secret of lifting and increase. Psalm 67:5-7.
6. Rejoicing in afflictions makes us flourish like the cedars of Lebanon. Psalm 92:12.
7. It accelerates your victory. Psalm 149:6-9.
8. Giving thanks to God turns our battles over to the Lord. 2 Chronicles 20.
9. It releases God's glory.
10. Thanksgiving accelerates our recovery. Lazarus was still in the grave when Jesus gave thanks. John 11:41.
11. It gets our focus off ourselves and turn them back on God.
12. As we rejoice in affliction, we admit and recognize that we’re not in control of life's situations.
13. It leaves no room for complaining and negativity. Complaining and murmuring doesn’t make our situations better. It amplifies our frustration, spreads sadness, and invites the devil to steal our joy.
14. God is close to us when we praise Him. Psalm. 22:3.
15. As we rejoice in affliction, we're reminded of all He has done, and our faith in God increases.
16. It keeps us from bitterness, arrogance and discouragement.
17. Rejoicing in afflictions keeps us humble and reminds us of our need for God.
18. We are commanded to rejoice always! To not rejoice is disobedience to God.
"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance." Psalm 42:5.
SO, WHAT DO WE DO?
1. Make sure that you are in a continuous and right relationship with God.
2. Walk in submission by living a life of total surrender and brokenness.
3. View your trials through the eyes of the Word. Read and meditate on the Bible daily.
4. Live in peace.
5. Sing praise and worship to God. Don't stop your praise. Hebrews 13:15.
6. Serve the Lord with gladness.
7. Live by faith, not by feelings.
If you wait to give thanks to God only after you’ve seen a miracle, where’s the faith? Faith is living in a thankful way even in trials. Keep your focus on God; don't be distracted by circumstances around you.
9. Don't stop praying.
Even though they were in chains, Paul and Silas prayed! Keep praying and don't give up. Isaiah 41:10.
"Rejoice always," 1 Thessalonians 5:16.
Don’t allow circumstances affect your life. You can keep a bright outlook in the midst of hardship and pain! You can have peace when the world is in chaos. The joy of the Lord is our strength in times of troubles.
ETERNAL JOY:
"2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." James 1:2-5.
We're designed for joy, but true joy is only found in God, not in circumstances. No earthly thing can truly satisfy our soul. This world is passing away, but we'll soon live forever with God! A day is coming when pain will be destroyed, and we'll never feel sadness again. Revelation 21:1-7. Are you preparing for eternity? Is your name in the Book of Life? In case you are not yet born again, you can take advantage of this opportunity today by praying this prayer: Dear Lord, I come to You today acknowledging that I am a sinner who needs Your forgiveness. I believe You died for me and rose again on the third day. Forgive me my sins, wash me with Your Blood and write my name in the Lamb’s Book of life. Thank You Lord for saving me, in Jesus name.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. O Lord, I thank You for the joy that is within me. I choose to be joyful regardless of the circumstances around me, in Jesus name.
2. Father, help me to be able to trust You no matter what, to rejoice in your goodness, in Jesus name.
3. Lord, be with me today and help me find joy in the midst of hopeless situations, in Jesus name.
4. Father, right now I lift my heart to You. I declare that You are worthy to be praised, in Jesus name.
5. O Lord, I will bless You in my darkest nights knowing that You are good, in Jesus name.
6. Father, help me to wake up every morning with praise on my lips, in Jesus name.
7. Lord, I cast all my cares to You because I know you care about me. Thank you for Your love, in Jesus name.
7. Father, I thank You, for answering my prayers.
