To Rejoice Always
Loving Lord,
While we are accustomed to rejoicing when the situation warrants it, you call us to extend it well beyond that – to always rejoice! This is a tall order, for we tend to attach our feelings to our circumstances. When things are going well, we have a positive and cheery disposition; when they aren’t, we sour and sulk. Help us detach our emotional and spiritual well-being from whatever is happening in the present in our lives and lead us instead to take to heart the truth that your return is nearer today than ever. Allow that reality to be the source of our rejoicing, enabling us to weather the ever-changing ups and downs in life. Lead us continually to your love, where we find countless reasons to rejoice. Always.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.