My hope.

"Whatever happens, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith ."

Hey friends! Today, I want to speak to you on the topic of rejoicing. Especially in the midst of trials, in the midst of tribulations and in the midst of questionable times. I think it‘a safe to say that this year, life has not gone to plan at all. I don't want to sugarcoat it in anyway, if you had told me this time last year that 2020 would pan out this way.. I would have LAUGHED at you in the face and said "GOD FORBID.. my God is greater". Nevertheless, here we are, 10 months into the new decade and tomorrow still never ceases to awaken a new surprise.

I find it so crazy, that despite all of this - this year I have seen God’s faithfulness in an entirely new dimension, in a way that I possibly couldn't imagine. I really have begun to question why I believe what I believe and I'm not going to lie to you - the Holy Spirt has really been on the move. One particular area that he keeps sharing with me is JOY. Which in all honesty would make sense, as one of the fruits of the spirt mentioned in Galatians 5 is joy.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness

23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

It’s safe to say, that we’re all familiar with the concept of joy, on a somewhat regular basis we hear statements such as "I am so happy" or “I even hours that”. Statements of this nature, all express the emotion of joy but this still leaves us with one fundamental question - what exactly does this joy mean?

One person that really helps me to unravel this concept of joy, is my good bro Paul. If you aren't familiar with Paul PLEASE PLEASE get to know. He was essentially an apostle, who prior to salvation used to persecute Christians i.e. similar to a modern day Hitler or something of the sort. He writes a substantial part of the New Testament, and it is so evident it is based on his revelation of Jesus' love for us. The best bit about Paul for me, is that he makes the christian walk seem so attainable, as like us he wasn't around at the time of Jesus yet he was SO bold in his faith. Bold enough, that he was even imprisoned a couple of times.

Despite this, Paul throughout his writings continues reiterating this idea of joy. He mentions it more than 9 times in his letter to the Phillipians! Which to me, is a pretty good indication that he wants us to remember to rejoice, despite our circumstances (in his case PRISON). Isn't it mind-blowing, that Paul as someone who imprisoned is reminding the Phillipians (who are free) to rejoice? This completely de-attaches rejoicing from our emotions or what we're facing and going through, but rather presents it as a mind-set or an attiude that we as believers should and can adopt.

"Whatever happens, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith ." Phillipians 3:1

In Phillipians 3, Paul is very clear about how we should adopt this mindset, i.e. by rejoicing in the Lord, not our circumstances. Paul then goes to describe rejoicing as a "safeguard" to our faith, which is VERY interesting because what does this word even mean?

When I think of the word safeguard, I immediately think about the concept of protection. What I think Paul is trying to say here, is that rejoicing provides a layer of protection to our faith as it comes from a position of trust. Wholeheartdly trusting that God will do what he says he will do. Not because we put our trust in a crazy authoritative deity, but rather because he has a track record of being faithful. Meaning, there is no situation that catches him by surprise. There is nothing that he sees and says “ wow I’m not sure how to handle this one” or "wait let me get back to you on that"

Nope, instead his word says -

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalms 91:1 NLT

It says we can find shelter in him during our times of needs, the times when we don't understand what is going on or why we're in a position of stagnation. This is a great encouragement to me. Aforementioned, this year has been a very interesting one to say the least but I rest assured that during these times I can rest in the shadow of the almighty and say “ you’re my comfort”.

One way I can actualise or vocalise this rest, is by REJOICING! Not because God needs us to, but because us rejoicing is a sign of our trust. Us rejoicing, shows that we really do trust a God in which we BELIEVE is in control. Hence, if we believe he's got us - it isn’t a surpise that we are overwhemled with joy! This joy is a heart posture of love, trust and hope. A way I intend to live my life, that despite what the enemy throws at me I choose God. I choose to believe his word when it says promises such as Romans 8:28

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

So, my hope is in the unconditional everlasting love of God. The love that sent down his only son for my sins, so that I may do life with him! My hope is in a God that emphasises and understands my struggles, a God that goes ahead of me! A God that is with me, a God that strengths me in my times of weakness. This is my hope and I pray, that God begins to reveal to you his unwavering love. Despite how this year has been for you, rest-assured that God is ALWAYS on the move. He's doing something in and through you right now - our part is to fear not and choose to rest in him, rely in him and rejoice in him. Especially when we don't

feel like it.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10.