Rejoice!

Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice. 

Philippians 4:4

Can you rejoice in times of trial?

Can you say "I praise you Oh Lord and thank you for all the blessings you have given us!" while you are in a time of great need?

Hard isn't it?

In 1 Thes 5:16 it says "Rejoice evermore.". Peter wrote this to encourage all the Christians. Mind you, he wrote this while he was in prison. I can't imagine how it feels to be inside a prison especially this days or here in a foreign country.

When was the last time you have rejoiced? I mean extreme happiness.

When we had our first born child - Ize.

When was the last time you rejoiced and thanked God after a great trial?

I rejoiced when my wife got out of the hospital after she was treated from PE (Pulmonary Embolism). I thanked God because we went out of the hospital, my wife feeling better and safe from harm and we didn't pay a dime. It happened I think 2 weeks after Ize's birth. She stayed on the hospital for a week and a few days.

Sadly, I admit that I have not rejoiced WHILE we are on that situation. I felt bothered, can't sleep and can't eat well as well but I never missed a prayer that time. She was almost at the brink of her death and all I could do was pray, I was only allowed 3 days leave while she was in ICU (Intensive Care Unit). It's a good thing my mother-in-law was with us. I hope and pray it won't happen again.

I am not like Peter who can rejoice while in prison nor like Paul who rejoices while being sick (skin disease) but I am always dependent to God. Currently, God is teaching me to rejoice while in a difficult situation - I am still learning.