As believers, we have to learn to rejoice intentionally. Rejoicing intentionally means that when things look bad or look dark, we still give praise. Giving thanks is an indicator of our faith in the new covenant that we are in. The new covenant is about what Christ has done. If someone has done something for you, your response will be thank you, right? That means that Praise should become part of our culture as it is what will drive our faith. Abraham showed that he was strong in faith by giving glory to God (Romans 4:20). Every unbelief that tried to raise its head was shattered.
The Good Around Us
Many at times, we are so focused on our needs that when good things are happening around us, we do not notice them. They may be small but they are the steps towards our desired expectation. Elisha’s messenger told Naaman to go wash in the Jordan river seven times and he will be healed. He got angry and already made up his mind not to go but his servant made him change his mind. The servant said, “My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?” (2 Kings 5:13). He would have lost his healing. The right response was to be jumping knowing that the solution to the problem has come. Our solution to all our problems has come in the person of Jesus Christ. Christ sacrifice has given us forgiveness of sins, healing, deliverance and prosperity. That is enough to thank God forever.
The Power Within Us
Just because you have been believing God for your own house and it has not come does not mean you should be angry or give up. Keep thanking God. At least you can pay your rent. The next level after paying your rent is buying your own house. It is a step away. Give glory to God. The power to pay rent is the same power you will use to buy your house. God has given you the power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). You need one million naira and someone gives you five thousand naira. You are angry because you are nine thousand, five hundred and fifty-five thousand naira away from what you want. No. Rejoice! The same way a person can give you five thousand naira is the same way a person can give you the remaining money you need. Christ equated praise with strength (Matthew 21:16, Psalm 8:2). It strengthens us to keep moving and also to stop the devil’s attacks.
The Joy Upon Us
Complaining about everything is a sign that you do not want to move forward. Rejoicing is a sign that what I want, I have it. If it takes time, I will praise God. If it looks like it may never come, I will still praise God. No change, small change or big change in our lives should not regulate our emotions rather it should be praise. Was it not Elijah’s servant that said: “Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand.” (1 Kings 18:44). He would have complained that upon all my praying it was just one small cloud and I told the King that there will be an abundance of rain. That small cloud brought a heavy downpour. Rejoice in the small, a heavy downpour of what you desire is coming. No matter what happens, praise God. Not for praising sake but because it is a spiritual principle. Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. (Psalm 67:5-6). So where do you think the increase will come from without thanksgiving? Rejoicing is like planting a seed that will produce many fruits. What some people are complaining about, others are looking for it. Always give thanks.
Make an assessment of your life and you will see all the places you can give God thanks. It is necessary for an increase. It was instructive that Jesus gave thanks to multiply the five loaves and two fish to feed five thousand people. It was instructive that he gave thanks to raise Lazarus from the dead. If you do not see what God has done already, you won’t rejoice. Joy is part of the fruit of the spirit. Moodiness is not. Stop giving excuses for complaining and being emotional. Rise above depression and shake off anything that does not have eternal value. What you focus on matters. Focus on the things that matter. Choose to see the good in every situation. If the devil cannot steal your joy, he cannot take your goods.
