Rejoice

It is very easy for me to fall off the edge into a pit of despair.  HA!  For realz!  However, I have been working through Philippians and it has been such an encouragement to my heart and soul and mind.  I am trying to remember Philippians 4:4 at all times: "Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS, I will say it again, Rejoice!"  Kate emailed one of our good friends from Mali to ask him questions about being in ministry for her Awana project.  One of her questions was, What is your favorite Bible verses?  This was his verse and I was initally really surprised.  Then, as I thought about it more, it really made me think, especially in light of the difficulties facing the country right now, let alone what every day life is like in Mali.  I thought if that was his favorite verse, then I need to make sure I am meditating on it more.  If he can rejoice in the midst of dirt, rubble, and poor conditions, then I need to rejoice in my air conditioned, American "Miller" version of clean home.  We oftentimes get sidetracked by focusing on our circumstances instead of on CHRIST, who has conquered death and deserves our REJOICING every day, every hour, every minute.  I need to make sure I have a proper response to the trials of this life, no matter how big or how small.  Please today, find reasons to REJOICE!  If you can't find a single one, remember that the Lord Christ has AUTHORED and is working to PERFECT your faith!  That is definitely TWO reasons to rejoice!