By Pamela Rose Williams
“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” (Romans 12:12)
Did you know that a form of the word rejoice is found some 266 times in the Bible? Well then, I’m thinkin’ we ought to do more of it!
This little verse found in Romans 12 comes in the middle of a passage where Paul is exhorting the church at Rome on some proper attitudes toward one another and toward authority. Paul consistently tells the churches in his writings to “Rejoice”. We see it in Romans 5:2, speaking of the rejoicing in hope, just as we see in 12:12. That is the hope that we have as believer’s in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Hope that we will see God and Jesus again when we leave this planet because the Bible promises eternal life to all that believe (Rom 6:23). Hope that we have to escape the wrath of God, which is the tribulation that comes to the earth after the rapture of the believers (1 Thes 5:9). And as we come to Romans 12:15-16 a little later in this chapter, we see Paul encouraging the church to:
Romans 12:15-16 ( KJV )
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Yep, rejoicing is a big part of the Bible. We need to be rejoicing regularly. God loves to see us full of joy. He loves to see us at peace and comfortable. He has inspired the writers of the Bible to put these encouragements in writing, for our learning. He tells us what we should do and then He gives us a promise of what we can expect when we obey. A command and a promise:
Philippians 4:4-7 ( KJV )
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
In this season of Thanksgiving, for what are you thankful? Feel free to leave your comments below.
