Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice....

And the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4, 7

All your life is in God's hands. We belong to God - not ourselves, but to God. Be Joyful!

God loves us more than any other person can love us. Think on that. Be joyful!

God tells us in both the Old and New Testaments, "Do not fear; I have redeemed you, I have called you by name. You are mine." Be joyful!

God says, "You shall rejoice before the Lord your God in all that you undertake." He will help you. Be joyful!

The first question of the Catechism is "What is the chief end of man?" The answer is, "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." Be joyful!

God tells us himself to enjoy the life that He has given to us. Be joyful!

God also says, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning." Be joyful!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Thanks be to God. Bless the Lord and all that is in me, bless His Holy name. Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Your problems will not seem so pressing. You will be able to deal with them in a better way and sing joyfully:

"Joyful, Joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory Lord of love,

Hearts unfold like flowers before thee opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the gloom of doubt away,

Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day."

Joy to the world, the Lord has come. Be joyful!

Mary Thompson


About the Contributor

Mary Thompson is a life-long Presbyterian who has served as an elder, a kindergarten Sunday School teacher, an adult Sunday School teacher, and a Bible Circle teacher. She has been married to Bill for 68 years and has two daughters, Martha Bean and Mary Lorick Thompson. She loves to cook, but her greatest joy is her church and her family, especially the four grandchildren and one great grandson.