FAITH CAPSULE: Be joyful and be thankful in the Lord.

Job 1   

Rejoicing in the Lord is the evidence of one that knows to give thanks in all things for all things. Ephesians 5:20 stated, “Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Do you know to give thanks enough to be accessible the presence of God? Be thankful and be joyful in the Lord.

It is written, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)  Psalm 9:2, “I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to your name, O most High.” Psalm 16:11, “In Your presence is fullness of joy…” Proverbs 8:30, “…I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him.” The scriptural verses testified that without joy God is not is accessible. Apostle Paul stated well, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4) Apostle Paul’s call for joy was expressed with simplicity, emphasis and with a shout!
In every meeting with God, all His children must go before the Him with joy. By this virtue, coming before God is celebrating in joy with evidence of thankful heart.
Let it be clear that the evil one never shy away from where there is joy in his agenda to convert joy to sadness. Also let it be aware that our calling is to maintain our joy regardless of challenges. As regard to Job, the book of Job 1:6-7 recorded, “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” (Job 1:6-7) Satan’s interruption was and is always with bad intention. He is empowered to go to and fro looking for one to devour. Satan initiated pain for Job where the sons of God are gathering in His presence. It is written in Job 1:11-12, “But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.”” Can you imagine how the wicked one, at his coming out of the place of joy delivered every form of affliction on Job.
In between and through it all, Job did not complain nor did he condemn God. Job cried to God and he eventually received more blessings after his time of testing, than when he first started to enjoy the blessings of God.

Prayer for today: Ask for the grace of rejoicing in the Lord and to know giving thanks in all things for all things.