Black Church News in Virginia
Marriner’s Moments: Rejoicing Anyhow – Part IV
By Pastor Melvin O. Marriner
Grove Church
PORTSMOUTH
This season of Thanksgiving presents us with the perfect opportunity to rejoice anyhow. Whether we are gathering with friends and relatives, volunteering to serve others or quietly observing the holiday, each of us can find a few reasons for rejoicing anyhow! Rejoicing is a choice; it means that despite our circumstances – despite what we see – we choose to believe and trust God!
No matter what life throws our way, we must learn to look to God, pray to God and find comfort, strength and peace in the Word of God. There are many promises in the Bible that give us hope and cause to rejoice anyhow. Proverbs 3:5-6, reminds us to “trust in the LORD and lean not unto our own understanding;” Philippians 4:13 encourages us with “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,” and James 1:2-4 tells us to “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Study the Word of God, pray to God and rely on Him for strength. He “rewards those who diligently seek Him!” (Heb. 11:6) Worship God in Spirit and truth, stand on His promises and rejoice anyhow. Have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!
Peace and power,
© Dr. Melvin O. Marriner, November 2015
We invite you to join us at Grove Church, 5910 West Norfolk Road, Portsmouth, Virginia, Sundays at 8am and 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays at noon and Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
