Rejoice Always!Speaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: Life on earth is mixture of joy and sorrow. It is God's desire that we should be filled with the peace of God, divine love and live radiant lives before others, to manifest the goodness of our Lord God Almighty. I once read a very interesting article in a newspaper. An army officer who was in an important post was very sincere in his work. His wife also held a similar position in the high office. Many problems arose in their lives; yet, it was an environment in which they could understand each other and lead a very happy life amidst all their problems. A statement that they made filled me with surprise: "We both serve our country very faithfully; and that alone holds our family together."
We should take them as our examples. We too need to be united as children of the Almighty God, and we should serve Him with perfect understanding.
In the Holy Scripture, we see that Isaac and Rebekah had two sons - Esau and Jacob. Isaac loved Esau, because he was a skilful hunter. He brought home what he had hunted and Isaac relished it much. But Rebekah loved Jacob (Genesis 25:27,28). The partial preference of Isaac and Rebekah led to disputes and hatred among their sons.
Dear friend, be careful in showing impartial love to your children. Teach them to love the Lord Jesus. Make them to participate in the family prayers along with you. When they are filled with the divine love, they will imbibe virtures like unity, readiness to share, willingness to give and take, even while they are young. Their lives will be radiant with joy. Your family will shine forth as the stars in the sky.
"For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17)
The Holy Scripture says, "Rejoice always" (1 Thessalonians 5:16). But human life is not always a bed of roses. Often you have to wade through many pressures and problems. That is why Lord Jesus said, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). He has triumphed over all the problems which beset us. He wants us to look up to Him, never giving way to despair or defeat.
"For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has mercy on you. (Isaiah 54:10)
Before my marriage, I prayed, "Lord, my life partner should be a child of Yours." It seems that my husband also prayed likewise and accordingly, the Lord united us.
Dear friend, if your family is to be blesed, leave the entire responsibility of your future into the hands of Jesus. There are many who have committed their lives to Christ, but want to please themselves in choosing their life partners. When problems arise in their families, they become disheartened. Commit your life in the hands of God. He will choose the ideal life partner for you.
Even amidst so many trials and tribulations, our family life has been a blessed one. It is all because of the commitment that we made with the Lord before we commenced our family life. After marriage, we decided to do the Lord's ministry as a family. Problems arose one by one. My first conception ended in an abortion. The second child was still born. Many began to remark saying, "Why this misfortunue for this devout couple?" In our anguish we looked up only to Lord Jesus. He neither left us nor forsook us. He blessed us again with two children. Several decades have passed. Today, those who commented upon our losses stand by our side and uphold our ministry. What a great joy this is!
Dear friend, life here on earth is a mixture of joy and sorrow. It is God's desire that in all situations, we should be filled with the peace of God, divine love and live a radiant life before others. It is easy to find faults in the others and propagate them. God is mighty to remove all obstacles and is able to make good any deficiency. Let us acknowledge before Him our failures. He will brighten our personal lives. He will resolve all disorder and confusion in our families. He will restore harmony and happiness in our lives and make us good role models to our neighbours.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philipians 4:13)
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father,
You are the Lord of lords, ruler of Heaven and earth. You are gracious upon everyone, impartially. Help me not to be partial in showing love towards my children, friends and relatives. Be my guide. Take control over my personal and family life. I surrender my entire future into Your precious hands. Remove all trials and tribulations, and restore peace, joy and harmony in my life. Help me to be a good role model before others. In Jesus' mighty name, I pray.
Amen. |