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1 Thess 5:16

Rejoice always,

Such a simple, small two word verse, but two words that seem impossible to achieve.

We know the word rejoice means to have joy, or be glad or happy.
But what about this word "always" ? How often is always?
The Greek word for always is: pantote , which means: "at all times" .

Right now as I am writing this we haven't gone to war yet, but it seems by the time you read this we will be at war, or very close to it.
Who wants to rejoice in war?
Maybe you are out of money and you don't have enough for groceries or to pay your bills.
Who wants to rejoice in being poor?
Maybe someone you love is sick or maybe even died recently.
Who wants to rejoice over sickness and death?
Maybe you marriage is going down the tubes.
Who wants to rejoice in that?

Notice this verse once again: Rejoice always. Did you notice what it doesn't say?
It doesn't say to rejoice in war, or poverty or sickness or even death, and it doesn't say to rejoice in your marriage going bad.
It says to rejoice at all times, not in the situation.

We can rejoice even those these things, or others are happening, because we know that the Lord is with us, and no matter what, He will never leave us or forsake us.
Also, if you search the bible it says:

James 1:2-4 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Heb 13:5-6 5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." 6 So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

There are many other verses to encourage you during your times of trials and troubles.
But don't think that you have to rejoice in the troubles, but rather know you can rejoice because of Jesus in your life!

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