2021

These “helpers of your joy” are the people we may call merchants of joy; and their efforts must be highly priced. They could be gospel Ministers who have oversight over us; or it could be people with whom we share affinity in the house of God. They help us to see the big picture and the hope that lies ahead.

Our rejoicing in the midst of trouble should stem from two considerations. Firstly, as we hinted earlier, Jesus won a victory which has effect on all who put their trust in Him for salvation. Secondly, we can rejoice in difficult moments because we know they will not last forever. This consideration made Paul write to the Romans that they should rejoice in hope (Romans 12:15).

Why do so many people go through life frustrated and unhappy? Because they seek for joy from material things. When you shift your focus to the Lord, you will discover that nothing can compare with the joy of His presence.

The world’s type of peace is weak and futile. It is significant also to note that the first thing which Jesus offered after His resurrection was peace. We can therefore affirm that for children of God, peace is a gift.

The ability to stick to something for as long as may be necessary is the bottom line for success. If you fail, as you would most likely do, conduct a bit of research to determine the cause of your failure. Doing this would have taught you a vital lesson on how not to do it another time.

The word of God is described as a two-edged sword. It is important we know how to handle it. When you read the Bible, take note that not everything is to be applied literally.

We understand from here that victory or failure is not determined by the size of battle we face. Small battle without God on our side is doom; big battle with the Captain of the Hosts is a walk-over. Unfailingly, obedience will always woo God to our side.

Another area where God’s operations defy human conventions is timing. God’s timing often goes against the grain of human wisdom. However, God’s time is always the best. Imagine the time that God asked Israel to cross river Jordan into the Promised Land.

God’s operations are beyond the limits of human conventions. One reason why many people miss the operations of God is that they expect Him to reason and act like human beings. The Bible is plain in stating that God’s ways are different from our ways.

To rehearse is to go over a list of items; it is to repeat something such as a story. Those who will grow in the art of praising God must keep account of the acts of God in their lives in particular, and in the whole of creation in general.