Look up each of the verses below and write down Bible principles that you can learn from them about this virtue. A “principle” is a “truth you can live by.”
Several times in the Bible we are commanded to “rejoice in the Lord.” The object of our rejoicing is very important to note. We are not commanded just to rejoice but to rejoice ” in the Lord.” This means we are to rejoice because we know that the Lord makes no mistakes. Blessing the Lord and praising Him go along with rejoicing. We also are rejoicing when we are thankful for everything that God brings our way, even when it seems bad.
1. When are we to rejoice in the Lord?
1a) Ps 34:1
1b) Hab 3:17-18
1c) Mt 5:11-12
1d) Ac 5:41
1e) Php 1:21
1f) Php 4:4
1g) 1Th 5:16
1h) Jas 1:2-3 The word “temptation” used in these verses is the same word that is often translated “trials.”
1i) 1Pe 4:13
2. Why are we to rejoice in the Lord?
2a) Isa 61:10
2b) Ro 5:11
3. In what are we to give thanks?
3a) 1Th 5:18 Also note why.
3b) Eph 5:20
3c) Job 1:21 Job lost everything he had in one day, all his riches, all 10 of his children, even his wife turned against him. How did he respond?
4. When you have the right attitude during trials what does this do? 1Pe 2:15
5. How is it possible to rejoice in all things (even when things seem to go wrong)? Where did the Apostle Paul say he got strength to endure problems and trials? Php 4:13
God has a plan or will for your life. Everything that God allows in your life has a reason 1Th 5:18. God can even turn our mistakes into helpful learning times if we will let him. What does God say will work together for good? Ro 8:28