The Christian and Praise
Some honest Christians don’t realize that it is their privilege to rejoice and be happy in their Christian walk with God. Instead they mourn over the shadows of the cross rather than on its joys and victories. They feel that there is something sinful about being happy and they don’t realize that joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
These sincere Christians feel they should carry the burden of the world on their shoulders and not spend time in praise and rejoicing. But the Lord says to them, “the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). As Christians reflect on God’s greatness, they are empowered with grace to be victorious over sin. The impossible becomes possible to them (Matthew 19:26). Even amid the trials of life, the Lord commands His children to, “Rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16) because He works all things for their eternal good (Romans 8:28). Christians can rejoice in God for His love doesn’t change nor does it fail (Romans 8:38-39).
If there ever was a time when seriousness should identify the lives of Christ’s followers, it is now (2 Peter 3:11). But these facts should not cause Christians to be gloomy and forget that they are the precious children of the Most High and that their sins are forgiven (Romans 8:37–39). This fact alone should make them rejoice exceedingly in His goodness and mercy. The prophet declared, “I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:18).
Christians should live a life of cheerfulness knowing that praise is part of worship and devotion to God (Psalm 75:1). The apostle Paul stressed, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). This is especially true during trials (James 1:2–4), because suffering develops patience and Christian traits that are important to the citizens of the kingdom of heaven. And even in persecutions, Christ instructed the believers saying, “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:11–12).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
