Beautiful Word: Your Daily Devotion

Daily Scriptural Insights, Curated by the Editors of CT | [View online] [ChristianityToday.org] [Donate] [Beautiful Word Newsletter] Thursday, December 29, 2016 Rejoice . . . Always? [Joni Eareckson Tada] [Joni Eareckson Tada] | [Writer][Bio] [@JoniandFriends][@JoniandFriends] [Facebook][Facebook] Today's Verse Powered by the [New Living Translation] “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.” Philippians 4:4-5 [View in context] Living the Christian life is so opposite to, so against the grain of, our human nature. When today’s Scripture exhorts us to rejoice in the Lord always, our first inclination may be to wave it off. We may prefer to fall into the easy rut of being negative or depressed. Common sense, however, warns us this will only make things worse. Today’s Scripture is a triple whammy. We are to rejoice in the Lord always, and then again, and do so with an exclamation mark. Christians can rejoice because their ground for doing so is not in circumstances but in the Lord. How can we rejoice in chronic pain or rejection or bankruptcy? Paul goes on to provide reason enough: “The Lord is near” (NIV). You can keep a bright outlook in the midst of any hardship; you can have peace of mind when you know that the Lord Jesus himself is close at hand. Reflect: Read Philippians 4:4–5. When has your awareness of God’s faithful presence helped you to rejoice—even in hard circumstances? Pray: Several times throughout the day, spend a bit of time praying in silence by focusing your mind and heart on God’s nearness—his faithful presence with you in each moment. Joni Eareckson Tada is a best-selling author, sought-after speaker, and the founder and CEO of [Joni and Friends International Disability Center]. Taken from [A Spectacle of Glory] by Joni Eareckson Tada. Copyright © 2016 by Joni Eareckson Tada. Used by permission of Zondervan. www.zondervan.com. All rights reserved. [Read devotions online] | [Share with a friend] More for Women [10 Books You Should Read to Your Kids This Christmas] [10 Books You Should Read to Your Kids This Christmas] I celebrate the season by reading stories to my kids. Here are our favorites. Corrie Cutrer [Why Millions Watched this Church Christmas Video] [Why Millions Watched this Church Christmas Video] The underage narrators get the story right. Almost. Kate Shellnutt Follow Us [Facebook] [Twitter] [RSS] [Subscribe to this newsletter] In the Current Issue [December] [Is Addiction a Disease? Yes, and Much More] [Subscriber access only] [The Most Uncomfortable Christmas Verse] [Subscriber access only] [Crossing the Wasteland of Faith] [Subscriber access only] [View Full Issue] [Subscribe Now] Christian Bible Studies [A Life of Giving Thanks] [Catch a glimpse of a life permeated by a grateful heart that overflows toward others.] [4 Session Bible Study] [Beautiful Word] Delivered via email to subscribers daily. [Subscribe] | [Email Preferences] | [Unsubscribe] | [Privacy Policy] | [Advertise] | [Subscribe to CT] You are currently subscribed as: {EMAIL} Copyright ©2016 [ChristianityToday.org], Christianity Today, 465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved.