“Rejoice!”
Most people have been patient during Lockdown. When tempted to state my opinions I am reminded that the average person is really trying to be a good citizen about this. The spirit of ‘Love thy Neighbour” has been heart-warming. I’m sure you’ll agree that looking around to find opportunities to rejoice with those who rejoice can be labelled ‘Good Medicine,” right now. Here’s some thoughts from life and scripture: (1) Solomon told us that there’s “A time to laugh”—Take that as good advice (Ecclesiastes 3:4). (2) I heard news today that my friends in Australia have just had their baby. Let’s join together as did the neighbours and friends of Elizabeth when John the baptiser was born—They “rejoiced with her” (Luke 1:58). (3) Providentially, and legally, a new brother arrived through the waters of baptism last week—Jesus illustrates what happens when the shepherd (Himself) finds his lost sheep—A chain reaction is set off: The shepherd “Rejoiced,” then he called his friends and neighbours to “Rejoice with me,” and finally in heaven there was even “more joy” over the return of the lost sinner” (Luke15:3-5). (4) I would be surprised if you haven’t felt the joy of making a new friend or being reacquainted with an old friend during this time, albeit through social media or a neighbour you have only met since Lockdown—May they “stick closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). (5) For the extra spiritual time with your family at home—The Lord is building your house (Psalm 127:1). (6) For the two-way encouragement gleaned from those messages from afar— “Like cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a distant land (Proverbs 25:25).
We could add many more reasons to rejoice: The many personal spiritual goals achieved; the new online worship services being enjoyed around the world; the ZOOM Bible classes and fun meetings and games; the well-deserved breaks from work that would have never been taken, otherwise. Joy is an expression of our faith. Believe it, or not, your most reliable indicators of you joy-levels are the curves of your smiling face. You need to share that! Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice!