“Rejoice always,”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭CSB‬‬

One of my favorite things to do as a child at Christmas time was watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on TV. I still really enjoy it even though I’ve likely seen it once a year since I was born. (It first aired that same year.)

My favorite part is when the Whos down in Who-ville start singing. It always brings tears to my eyes. I think it’s a beautiful melody, and the idea that all those people, children included, weren’t at all sidetracked by tragedy is so inspiring. All their homes were burgled and ransacked, but they are rejoicing because God is still God. Christmas still came. Every scrap of food and every carefully selected and wrapped gift was stolen, and yet they sing for joy because Jesus was born and nothing can change that.

I always wonder if I would react the same way.

If I’m honest, I have to say no. I have experienced many a tragedy, and I don’t recall reacting with joyful thanksgiving over the good news that God is with me even in the midst of pain and loss.

But it is great news. No matter what bad news pervades my life, the good news of the gospel is always worth rejoicing over. Today’s verse reminds me with the simple, “Rejoice always.” One of the shortest verses in the Bible. It’s not complicated. God’s goodness is always what I should have at the top of my mind, and so I should rejoice always.

Dear God,

Thank you for your salvation. Thank you that you are always good, always God, never distant, never asleep, never distracted, never on vacation, and never too busy. Remind me to rejoice in you no matter what is happening in my life or what my mood is.