Wednesday, 22nd February 2023
Andrews Ampomah
TOPIC: BE CHEERFUL DURING TOUGH TIMES
THEME SCRIPTURE: Philippians 4:4
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- Is it possible to be cheerful when things are not going as expected?
It is important to remind ourselves at this point that the epistle to the church at Philippi was written during Paul’s imprisonment in Rome. It was during a time of great trial and utmost difficulty; knowing very well that death awaits him and there was no way of escape. It is however striking to note that one of the prominent themes in the epistle is on being cheerful in the Lord. It is unimaginable to have joy under these circumstances and to advocate for the Christians at Philippi to be cheerful. It obviously meant that the source of Paul’s joy was underpinned by an attitude that reflects a man who is never affected by circumstances.
His source of joy was constant and consistent defying all the conditions that should have made him morose.
We note from Paul’s circumstance that the Christian life is not always what we wish it to be. There are times when things are so difficult, and our circumstances unpleasant. Especially living in our kind of world today where everything is uncertain and volatile. We all observed the grief and pain that followed the recent disastrous earthquake in Turkey and the monumental loss of human life and property. Now and then, there is one event of pain or the other on human life. Our countries are facing untold economic hardships and to many, one full meal is even hard to come by. There is notable suffering everywhere around us, with no sign of an end soon. Fortunately or not, the Christian is not exempted from the realities of our world. We were not saved from sin to be taken out of the realities of the world such as pain, suffering, persecution and others.
Our theme scripture for today is very relevant to us today as it was to the believers in Philippi.
What that means to the Christian is that being happy or cheerful in Christ is possible no matter how bad our world is. The Christian’s happiness is unscathed no matter how bad things around him and the things he goes through are.
Don’t forget that the joy of the child of God has nothing to do with material things. The source of our joy is Jesus Christ. If we are cheerful, and always rejoicing no matter what comes our way, it is because of the finished work of Christ Jesus on the cross. It is because of our redemption from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s dear Son. It is because whatever the world drags us through is not eternal. One day we will be at a place where the wicked will be absent and their weary will be no more.
Beloved in The Lord, God is able to make all grace abound unto you so that your sufficiency is secured in Christ Jesus. No matter the circumstances you are going through today and the difficulties that the world shall bring your way, the Lord is your strength and mighty fortress. So choose to be cheerful today and every other day. Hallelujah.
FURTHER READING – Psalm 4
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- How are you going to continuously build your joy and happiness in Christ such that you are immovable and unshakable in all circumstances?
CONFESSION
Heavenly Father, thank you that you, who are unchangeable, are the source of my joy and happiness. From today, I choose to be cheerful in my God no matter what. I affirm that I triumph over all things that the world or the devil throws my way. I am the blessed of the Most High God. Amen.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Exodus 35; Psalm 92; Psalm 93; 1 Corinthians 4; 1 Corinthians 5
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