The temperature is projected to be 95 degrees today, and a heat advisory is in effect. What a perfect day for our A/C to die! This presents a fresh challenge to align my heart with the biblical directive to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). Granted, relative to other hardships, temporarily being without air conditioning is a small blip on the radar. But even the tiniest splinter can bring discomfort.
I was inspired by a timely reminder: the instruction is to “rejoice in the Lord,” not “be happy with your situation.” We don’t have to pretend to be above or beyond normal human emotions that accompany distressful and unpleasant circumstances.
Rejoicing in the Lord is about our focus, not our feelings.
To rejoice in the Lord is to focus on His marvelous and unchanging nature in all circumstances, moods, and seasons of life. It means celebrating His love, trusting in His presence, remembering His faithfulness, depending on His wisdom, and drawing from His power. It means believing and resting in the truth that in every change, His marvelous attributes remain the same.
With or without A/C, His marvelous work in me continues right on schedule. His purposes remain unhindered and unaltered. His provision remains unaffected by any “supply chain” issues. His plans for me remain unhindered, unaltered, and impervious to any earthly factors.
It is in this that my heart desires to rejoice today—not by my own might or power but by His Spirit. And as I change my focus, my feelings often follow.
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