HOPE ni GUILLER VALENCIA

SABI ni St. Paul, “rejoice at all times” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). Maybe sa kanyang panahon masasabi niya na rejoice at all times. But mind you, Si St. Paul in his times ay nakaranas ng pag-uusig, hagupitin, makulong, at magutom,

Paano naman kaya ang lagay ng ating bansa; socially, politically and economically? Masasabi ba natin to rejoice at all times? Maybe the rich, powerful and celebrities could rejoice at all times. In real life, kung may financial needs, family problems, legal and health issues, still can we believe and say rejoice at all times?

Sa Old Testaments, si Habakkuk ay may karanasan, everything around him is failing; no herds, no crops at walang dahilan para mag-rejoice. Subalit sambit niya, “Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruits in the vines…yet I will exult in the Lord” (3:17-18). Surely, even Christian ay may trials, problems and tribulations but our Jesus said in John 16:33, “in this world you will have tribulations but take courage I have conquered the world. Prophet Nehemiah claimed, the joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

St. Paul repeatedly said, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” It only makes sense when our joy is anchored in Someone (our Lord Jesus) who never changes. Kapag ang ating joy ay nakasalalay lang sa comfort, success or being liked ito’y laging mag-rise and fall.

Rejoicing ay hindi nangangahulugan na kailangan tayo ay laging nakangiti o hindi nagdadalamhati. It means kahit may pagluha tayo’y nakatuong lagi ang ang ating puso sa kabutihan ng Diyos, He will never leave or forsake us!

Joy is not a reward for strong people. It is the strength given to weak people who lean on the Lord. Psalms 16:11, “there is fullness of joy and pleasure forever.” Finally, receive Jesus Christ as your own personal Lord and Savior, Rejoice in it!