“¹Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” — Romans 13:1 (ESV)

But, what if I do not agree with the authorities, shouldn’t I be able to rebel against them and do my own thing? Well that is a complicated but easy thing to answer. In short NO, we are to subject ourselves to the authorities. They are in authority with the full knowledge of God, and based on the above verse, we are to subject ourselves to them.

But, if you notice and remember, Paul is writing from prison where he has been placed as he was not in agreement with authorities. So there in lies the confusing and complicated part.

We are to subject to authority. We are to do as they have asked, until those things are contrary to the will and works of God. I am to follow man’s law as long as it does not conflict with God’s law, and then I follow God’s law over man’s. I work with others in this world and in those workings will be subject to their authority. I am to abide by that authority. I am to be good in the eyes of God and do as He wishes. Most of the time, that good will cause man to see me as good and subject to their authority. There are times though where I will be contrary to them and in those times I am subject to God’s authority and will have to deal with the consequences of being contrary to man’s authority.

At work, I have authority that I am subject to based on their title and position. I subject myself to their authority and will do as they say, until that is in contrast to what is right based on God’s authority. In those instances, I will do as God has me do and whatever consequences there are from the authority in my work, I am subject to those and will accept them.

Authority is all around and we are subject to that authority. We are to do as we are directed by that authority and remember that God is in full knowledge of those that are in that position. When the direction from the authority is contrary to God’s authority, then we are to follow God and accept the consequences of man.

What authority are you under in your daily life? Are you subject to that authority always? What if you were to be subject to that authority until it was contrary to God’s authority and then follow God’s authority with the full knowledge and acceptance of the consequences for doing so?

I am amazed at the assumed authority that is in the world. The title or position that is held seems to give this sense of entitled “power” over others and situations.

“¹⁰Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.” — John 14:10 (ESV)

There is/was even a sense that Jesus was the one with all of the power and authority, and He was sure to point out that even as Christ, He was not alone in authority. It was the Father in Him that held the authority. Jesus would speak and act at the discretion of God in all that He did.

We are all accountable to another, regardless of the title or position held. The only one who acts on and has own authority is God. He is the authority in all things.

We still should submit to those in authority. It is my role to be subordinate to those above me. But, it is also their role to be a servant to me and do the work according to those to which they yield authority (those above them). Those in title or position are to be servants of those beneath them. Jesus washed the feet of the disciples in the upper room to demonstrate His servant-hood to them. He did not shun from the responsibility to care for them even if/when it meant stooping to something that the least of the servants in a household would be the only one to do.

I am a servant of God, regardless of my title or position. It is my duty to serve Him and in doing so serve others. I am no better than those I am in contact with here in this world. I am only a servant of God and shall serve as a servant of others.

How do you act in places where your title or position is above others? Are you one to take advantage of that title or position to exert your authority? What if you were to serve others and not use your title or position?

“⁶In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” — 1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV)

I am so joyful that I have Christ to look to. I have been through it and now I can rejoice at the inheritance of heaven.

When I say that I have been through it, I am not indicating that I have been through all of the trials that some others have. In fact, whereas I have had adversity and will continue to, I have not been placed in such a difficult situation that I thought I would not get out, and for that I am thankful to God for delivering me. Even as I have not been through those most difficult trials, it does not mean that my trials were somehow trivial.

Sin is Sin, no matter the depth of it. Trials are trials, no matter the level of difficulty. It is important to remember that the trials each of us experience are something for the person and impact them in different ways. Not having a smartphone would be devastating to some, where others are glad not to have that distraction. No gym present to work out could cause some to have a breakdown whereas others don’t even notice the missing hand weights at the bottom of the stairs. Each has there level of trial that gives them pause and disrupts their joy.

When we have been delivered from our trials, we are free to rejoice in “the revelation of Jesus Christ”. I have Christ to lean on and be joyful in when I have my mind on Him and not on those things that disrupts. I have freedom from the distractions and can deliver myself fully to Christ and rejoice. I have to look harder for those times of joy and rejoicing and walk away from the trials to experience that joy. I have to be focused on God and allow Him to do His work around the trials and know that whatever I am experiencing is of His design and will ultimately allow me to rejoice in His “revelation”.

What trials are holding your back from rejoicing? Are you allowing the circumstances and difficulties in your life to dictate your joy? What if you just allowed God to do His work on those areas and you spent your time rejoicing in “the revelation of Jesus Christ”?

This morning I read in Philippians 4 at the “Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer” passage in verses 2-9. As I read and dug into the passage I noticed that with one small exception, the whole of it was fully dedicated to the positive outlook. And, right in the middle is found the verse that brings it all home.

“⁴Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” — Philippians 4:4 (ESV)

I found it refreshing to not find the adversity, and then how to overcome it. I found the positive and joyful reflection that I should be referring to in my life at all times. I need to be rejoicing in all that comes my way and look for the opportunities to glorify God in them.

I mentioned that there was an exception to the full positive commentary in the passage. In verse 6 there is the quick reference to not being anxious, but then the immediate turn back to prayer and thanksgiving for all that abounds. So really not negative, only the reminder to take everything in stride and drive to the positive relationship with God.

It is our work that gives glory to God and in that work we should be in constant search for the positive and rejoice in that positive and carry it into our full outlook. I am not by nature a positive person. I look for the real in all of it and so this positive outlook is certainly something that I have to look for each day. I have to be searching for it and embracing the opportunities to glorify God at every turn in my life.

What about you and your outlook? Are you looking for the positive in everything and turning it all to the glory of God? What if you were, what would be the potential outcome for doing so?

“¹⁵Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” — Romans 12:15 (ESV)

I have again went over this verse before. The note I have written is “love all in all situations”. I absolutely agree with that and have studied extensively that very subject in both a biblical and worldly context. This morning I am reviewing and seeing this verse differently as I continue my look into the word “rejoice”.

I see in this verse the concept of not only loving all in all situations, but meeting them where they are and not expecting them to come to me. I have to be ready to go to them and place myself where they are and the situation they are in to demonstrate my understanding and love for them. This is what we know in the world as an empathetic approach.

Empathy is the idea of understanding and demonstrating that understanding by communicating you have walked where they are walking at some point to some degree. The other must know that you have been there and walked in their shoes before. As they know that you understand where they are, they will open to you and accept you into there space. Now I am not saying that you will “win” them over, but you do have the opportunity to reach them as they now believe you are an ally and walk with them as opposed to against them.

Meeting others where they are is the concept of Christ. Remember that Jesus did not plant Himself in Jerusalem and expect that the people come to Him. He went out into the world, to the people, in the church, in the streets, at the well, in the market, and frankly wherever He could to be sure and reach as many as He could. This example is for me. I have to be willing to put myself where the people are and work to reach them in their space. I have to be able to rejoice with them and weep with them. I have to work with them and fellowship with them. I have to find the way to meet the people where they are and demonstrate to them that I have been in their shoes and want nothing more than to comfort and love them, regardless of the situation.

When you are in the world, what is your expectation of meeting people? Are you one that expects others to come to you and meet you in your space at your leisure? What if you were to meet others where they are and demonstrate love for them in all situations?

“²⁰Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” — Luke 10:20 (ESV)

Jesus is speaking to the seventy-two He had sent out to spread the gospel. As they returned they were excited for the work they had done, and rightly so as they had spread the gospel well in the name of the Lord. Jesus was excited for the work they did, and wanted them to be happy in it, but not for the reasons they were excited for, but for the destination they were headed to.

“¹⁷The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!’” — Luke 10:17 (ESV)

You see the seventy-two were excited for the fact that they had power over the demons and were looked upon as authority figures as they went in the name of Christ. And, they did have the authority that was given them by Christ as they were sent out. But that was not the focus of them being sent. It was not the authority that Jesus sent, it was them to bring the gospel to the people and reach them where Jesus was unable to physically be at all times.

I know that I am human and will deal with the human element at all times. One of those elements is the thirst for power and authority. Too often I find myself in the situation where I am surrounded by those that are so interested in their authority that they miss out on the real reason they are there, to serve and reach a destination. It is when that thirst is the only thing on the mind, that things go awry.

I am sent into this world to do the will of God and to spread the gospel where I am led. God gives me authority to do just that work and I must embrace that authority and use it when the “need” arises. I have to remember though, it is not about the authority, but the bringing of the gospel that is my task. I am to rejoice in the fact that my final destination is heaven and in getting there it is my duty to bring the gospel to all of those I come in contact. I rejoice in the destination, not in the power and authority I have been given to take the journey in reaching that destination.

What are you rejoicing in when you are given authority? Do you find yourself wheeling your authority at every turn and rejoicing in the idea that people take your authority and power seriously? What if you rejoiced instead in the destination of heaven that is at the end of your journey and used your authority in the name of Christ to spread the gospel?

I ask myself, what was it that drew you to your wife? It was her kind and loving heart, fun loving spirit, and her beauty. Since that was what drew me to her, why would I desire to stray from her.

“¹⁸Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth,” — Proverbs 5:18 (ESV)

And there it is. Instruction from God’s Word, “rejoice in the wife of your youth”. Lori and I have been married for over 25 years and the reason we married has not changed. She is still the one with the kind and loving heart, fun loving spirit, and full of beauty. Recently I had the opportunity to again witness all of that as she was caring for her 99 yr old grandfather. He requires assistance in all that he is and does and Lori never turned away from him. She leaned in to give him what he needed. It was again wonderful to see and be part of as she demonstrated a complete act of servitude without requiring anything in return.

As I look and marvel at Lori, I can on rejoice in the fact that she is in my life and I know that if/when the time comes for me to be cared for, and loved in such a way as to potentially burden her, she will not turn away. She will be the one at the front of the line giving that which is needed.

I am blessed to have Lori and I will rejoice in her each day. I will care for her and provide for her as she has done so selfishly for the past 25 years. I will lift her up to the place of honor she belongs and will work to remember the reasons I was drawn to her and rejoice in those.

What is it that drew you to your significant other? Are you aware of them today even some time later? What if you rejoiced in what it was that drew you to them then, and looked to continue rejoicing in them today?

“²⁴This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (ESV)

I know, this verse is quoted often and usually I hear it in the church or in times of great joy. But what about the regular or difficult days?

When I look here at this verse and passage, I am reminded that we are to rejoice in all days and all situations. All things, days, and situations are breathed out by God and I have to be joyful in God, therefore I am to be joyful in all things, days, and situations.

“²²The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. ²³This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” — Psalm 118:22-23 (ESV)

Notice in the two verses that precede the first I have quoted. There are stones rejected by builders that God has greater plans for, such as being the cornerstone of other buildings. Those stones were just not meant for that building and did not fit the mold of what the builder was looking for in materials. Just as with the stones and builders, there are those rejected by society that seem to not fit the mold of those in that society. God will use those in His plans and may even have them set for being the cornerstone of His kingdom here in this world.

I have to believe that God has a plan for me in this world. Regardless of the thing, day, situation that I find myself in, God will be there and I have to remember to be joyful in Him. I will find myself beat down and discarded by society or jobs or groups, and regardless of those situations, God will be right there with me to pick me up and place me where He wants me to thrive and be His example. God will always be there to provide value to my existence even when rejected or discarded.

Knowing that God will be there to pick me up and give me His great value, it is for me to rejoice in all things, days, and situations. I should not just rejoice in the presence of other Christians in the church building. I should not just rejoice in the times when things in life are going well and “as planned”. I should be rejoicing at the fact that God is with me to pick me up and use me for His kingdom and His glory.

What is your thoughts of when to rejoice? Are you like most and rejoicing when it is “right” to do so, like in church or when things are going great? What if you were to rejoice always in all things, days, and situations because you are rejoicing in God’s presence and His using you for His kingdom and His glory?

“⁸Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice.” — Psalm 51:8 (ESV)

I read this verse and what I see is that I have been broken down in my transgressions. I have repented and God gives me joy.

I have to say, that I am not broken and I am not talking about that which leads to depression and other maladies in lives. I am speaking of the full and complete understanding of where I am and all that I have done. I have taken responsibility for that which I have done and sought repentance for them, either with those I have wronged and God. I am now looking to turn to the something that is ahead and am leaving the past there, in the past.

I am forgiven. I am saved. I am renewed in God. Now that I am broken, I have the capacity for joy. God fills me with His joy and I am able to rejoice in the fullness of His love.

What are you holding on to? Are you fighting to stay where you are? What if you were to take responsibility, relieve yourself of the pain of holding on, repented, and allowed God to fill you up with joy?

“¹⁰Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD. ¹¹Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” — Psalm 32:10-11 (ESV)

I read here and only see part of the story. What is it that allows me to trust God and what is it that gives me the ability to rejoice and shout for joy? It is being “upright in heart”, but how to get there is the question I have to ask.

“¹Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. ⁵I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” — Psalm 32:1 & 5 (ESV)

And there you have it. I confess and acknowledge my sin to the LORD. I cannot reach the point of joy if I am still holding onto all of the sin in my life. I have to let it out and allow God to take them away from me. Jesus has already accepted responsibility and atoned for my sin, now it is my duty to accept responsibility by giving them over to God. He will forgive me, all I have to do is lay them at His feet. There is nothing more for me to do other than genuinely confess and acknowledge that I am a sinner and God will take it away from me.

Once I have confessed, God allows for my heart to be filled with Him. Once filled with God, joy will overflow and spill out of me. I have been forgiven and as such, I am now open to joy and rejoicing. I have been given the chance to be upright through repentance and joy fills and overflows from that place where sin once was.

What are you holding onto that may be preventing you from experiencing or expressing joy? Are you looking for something that will give you joy? What if you just emptied your heart of the sin by confessing and repenting and allowed God to fill and overflow from the place where sin once was?