REJOICE EVERMORE

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

JULY 26

 

Rejoice evermore. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16

 
The Christian is described as happy, “rejoicing in Christ Jesus.”
 
He is required to be happy, “Rejoice evermore.”
 
This joy is a fruit of the Spirit. It is the effect of faith. It is associated with hope.
 
“Rejoicing in hope.”
 
It is the soldier, rejoicing in his courageous and conquering captain.
 
The mariner, rejoicing in his wise and experienced pilot. The peniten, rejoicing in his pardoning and gracious God.
 
The prodigal, rejoicing in his kind and loving father.
 
This joy is sometimes unspeakable and full of glory. It is always holy joy, and is easily damped and weakened by sin.
 
Christian, thy God buds thee rejoice. The Lord’s people of old, were exceeding joyful in all their tribulations.
 
A solid foundation is laid for thy joy in God’s holy word—in his gracious covenant—in the fulness of Jesus—and in the glorious perfections of God.
 
Our joy is very often injured, by our uncertainty about our calling and election, these should be made sure.
 
By our unbelief, which insults God while it injures us.
 
By low views of Christ.
 
By a hasty spirit.
 
By worldly entanglements.
 
By an uneven walk with God.
 
By selfishness in our religion.
 
Believer, you ought to be happy.
 

Rejoice evermore in the truth and the power,

And the grace, of your heavenly Friend;

Till to us who believe he his glory doth give,

And a kingdom that never shall end.

 
James Smith