What strengthens me in the midst of difficulty in trial is the joy I find in the rock

of my God.

It is my knowledge of who God is as creator and sustainer of the universe, as sovereign

over everything, as the gracious God, as the wise God.

It is my understanding of the character and nature of God that anchors my joy.

Welcome to Grace to you with John MacArthur.

I'm your host, Phil Johnson.

When the Bible says to rejoice always, and that is exactly what it says, does it ever seem as though that's a bit unrealistic?

I mean, how are you supposed to apply that when a loved one dies or when your own health fails or when you lose a job or maybe a relationship?

Thankfully, the Bible not only tells you to be grateful at all times, but also it explains how to pull that off, how to be joyful and content in less than joyful situations.

See how joy like that is possible today on Grace to You, as John MacArthur continues his Thanksgiving week of broadcasts with a message titled,

Rejoice Always.

And now, here's John.

I want to draw you to 1st Thessalonians chapter 5 and verse 16.

This is one of those verses that are very rare in the Bible containing only two words.

Rejoice always.

It is a command.

Rejoice always.

As I think about why, and I just jotted these things down because they're personal to me,

but I think they're universal for Christians.

What makes me obey this command to rejoice always?

What is it that motivates me to do that?

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