and i wrote as i did, so that when i came i might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for i felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. [2 corinthians 2:3]

 

this afternoon i was telling someone about a time that our lot family served us exceptionally well, sacrificially giving of their time and money to care for us in a time of need. we talk pretty often about the body calling each other to service. we also talk often (though perhaps in practice we do it less) about calling each other to repentance. we call each other to discipleship, to prayer, to forgiveness.

but one thing i believe we could grow in, is calling each other to rejoice. scripture is quite clear about the command to rejoice. we see it all over the bible, including the psalms.

 

be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, o righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! [psalm 32:11]

 

as believers – the blood bought children of God – we have more to celebrate than anyone could imagine! sins forgiven, pain healed, hope of a future, purpose in the present! we grieve our sin, and rightly so, but let’s also celebrate and rejoice in the work our Savior has done!

so today, i want to call you to rejoicing. spend time in the presence of God and ask him to recall the works he has done in your life that you can celebrate. then, shout for joy and give him praise for those things! and then, rejoice with community as well – your spouse, kids, coworkers, lot family, whoever. rejoice together at the victories and freedom Jesus has won for you. let’s be a body that celebrates and rejoices!

 

shout for joy to God, all the earth;

sing the glory of his name;

give to him glorious praise!

say to God, how awesome are your deeds!

so great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.

all the earth worships you

and sings praises to you;

they sing praises to your name.” [psalm 66:1–4]

 

~ keith kozlowski