REJOICE ALWAYS IN CHRIST JESUS

"...Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season (if need be) ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations." —1 Peter 1:6 [KJV]

Though a Christian be not always in a joyful frame, yet he has abundant cause to "rejoice always." Though many things may rob him of his frame, yet nothing can deprive him of the foundation of his comfort. Happy for us, this is permanent and abiding for ever: for it is founded in the love and truth of an unchangeable God. These disciples to whom the apostles wrote, "rejoiced greatly." Why? was it because they were perfectly delivered from a body of sin and death? that they were not like thee and me, O disciple, sinners? No; but the matter of their joy, the cause of their rejoicing was, their "election according to the foreknowledge of God the Father— sanctification by the Spirit—sprinkling of the blood of Jesus, being begotten to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus;"—and the assurance of being "kept by the power of God, through faith, unto salvation." Wherein, "in these soul-comforting truths ye greatly rejoice," saith Peter. 

Thus, believer, thou seest the streams that make glad the citizens of heaven, flow from the ocean of God's everlasting love. The more thou drinkest of this water, it will allay the thirst of pride and self-righteousness, and make thy soul glory and rejoice in Christ Jesus alone. But here is a full conviction, that these joyful souls were imprisoned in a body of sinful flesh: they had their heavy seasons; were assaulted with manifold temptations; there was a season for them, and a need be also. So there is now. Wilt thou not be content to go the same path? canst thou expect freedom from such exercises? 

Deceive not thyself. It is all the children's lot; and the Father sees it as needful as our food: yea, He makes it profitable also. Whilst thou art in the flesh sin dwelleth in thee, temptation will assault thee, heaviness and affliction will bow thee down. Soul-exercises are faith's trials. In the issue they are made world-conquering, creature-humbling, Jesus-endearing, heavenly-longing blessings. "I am oppressed," said Hezekiah: What then? doth he sink under it? No; it called forth the exercise of his faith and prayer to the Saviour: "Do Thou undertake for me." So the Psalmist—Psalm 116:3, "I found trouble and sorrow." What was the blessing of it? Self-despair. He saw no help elsewhere:

"Then called I on the name of the Lord." Verily thy faith must be tried, thy patience exercised, prayer excited, as well as rejoicing of soul.

Thy Saviour loves to have it so. The government is upon His shoulders. Here is thy mercy, while the wicked, like Saul, seek to the sorcery and witchcraft of the world; Jesus, "the eternal God is our refuge."—Deuteronomy 33:27.

-preacher William Mason (1724-1797 A.D.)

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