You rejoice in joy that is glorious and unspeakable (1 Peter 1:8)
Some time ago, my wife and I visited a church out of town. When we got home, my wife asked, "Did you notice anything strange with the people at the church earlier?" Frankly, I didn't really pay attention to that. Then my wife explained, "No one smiles." When I look back, I agree with my wife. A gloomy atmosphere enveloped the music playing and the preaching of the word. In fact, it is unusual for the church foyer to feel eerie.
This experience reminded me of a newspaper column written by Erma Bombeck many years ago. Once, in church he sat a few rows behind a boy and his mother. The boy looked back and smiled at everyone. They smiled back. Suddenly the mother realized what her son was doing. He turned his son's head and whispered loudly, "Stop smiling. You're in church!"
Indeed, those who have the right to rejoice are those who believe in Christ (1 Peter 1:3-8). He died for us, forgave our sins, sent the Holy Spirit for us, and walks with us every day. Every time we fellowship, we should rejoice in those truths.
When we feel the grace of Jesus every day, we have reason to smile--especially at church. "Rejoice, you righteous, in the LORD!" (Psalm 33:1) -- DCE
JOY COMES FROM GOD WHO ALIVES WITHIN US,
NOT FROM WHAT HAPPENS AROUND US
* Take from Daily Reflections