Rejoicing Despite Circumstances

Circumstances aren't what makes a day - or a lifetime- good or bad. What else can explain the fact that many people have beautiful homes, secure jobs, every material possession imaginable, financial security, perfect health, and yet are miserable, even suicidal? And that many others live in poverty, own nothing, have poor health, and yet are filled with the joy of life?

Most people rejoice when their circumstances are good and get depressed when their circumstances are bad. As Christians we are to "rejoice in the Lord always" (Philippians 4:4-6). Do you know what the word translated "always" mean in the original Greek? It means always. (That's why it's translated that way.) "Always" means we are to rejoice regardless of our circumstances - not because of them.

As Christians we always have reason to rejoice because of truths that are untouched and unchanged by outward circumstances. We are created by God, loved by God, cared for by God whether it rains or shines, whether there's war or peace. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" whether the church splits, the pastor leaves, or there's a terrible scandal.

- from "Circumstances or Perspective?" by Randy Alcorn