Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. …
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
Character Check In times of suffering do I experience a strong sense of the presence of God?
In Business Terms Our oldest daughter died on May 13, 1995. The Bible tells us to rejoice always. How do you rejoice under those circumstances?
My wife and I are still weeping. However, we can rejoice in the total assurance we have that we know where she is and that we loved her and provided her the best medical care available. Psalm 139:16 says God set her death date from the foundation of the earth. In weeping we can still have joy, but joy is a condition we’re in because of a decision we made.
In times of weeping, joy is the only thing in life worth having. Her death is the most difficult thing I’ve experienced, and yet I’ve felt God’s presence so strong since then. It has brought me closer to the Lord than anything since my salvation.
—Zig Ziglar
Something to Think About What soap is for the body, tears are for the soul. – Jewish proverb
