Two Words

Welcome to my random thoughts for the day.
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​If you have grown up around the Bible and I were to ask you what is the shortest verse in the Bible, my guess is you might say...... "Jesus Wept."

Can I get picky and say Yes, that is the shortest sentence in the Bible, but not the only shortest verse. There is another short, powerful and beautiful verse that we love to say as part of a greater sentence. 1 Thessalonians: 16 "Rejoice always,"

Two powerful words that can help us to endure some of the darkest times. If the joy of the Lord really is our strength at all times, we have the power in the darkness to rejoice in who God is, despite our circumstances. Easy to say, at times, difficult to do; nevertheless, it is still fully true. 

Philippians 4:4 says "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." For us to rejoice at all times is important to the Lord.

How do we do that when we are in most difficult seasons of life. How to we rejoice when we are overwhelmed with pain, sickness, loss, loneliness and betrayal? How, Lord? 

Do you hear Him? Through His Word He speaks, He connects and directs our rejoicing to be set in who He is and His faithfulness. Who God is doesn't change while we are in trials. "REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS; AGAIN I WILL SAY, REJOICE"

While there isn't a theological reason that verse 16 is separated from verse 17 & 18 in 1st Thessalonians, except to organize thoughts and ideas as a part of the bigger picture of how we are called to live, may this noted separation remind us to pause and rejoice, pray and give thanks. 

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
"16Rejoice always, 17pray continually, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."