《今日靈修默想》:「你們要靠主常常喜樂!我再說,你們要喜樂!」(腓4:4)

默想一:你正處在憂慮、煩悶、迷惘、懼怕、無奈而喜樂不出來嗎?主命令我們,不要再靠自己,乃是「要靠主」。不要再等了,現在就勇敢地回到最喜樂的神那裡,祂是喜樂的源頭。儘管地將你一切的憂慮、重擔卸給祂,因祂顧念你(彼前5:7)。

默想二:喜樂與快樂有何不同?快樂是從外面而來,喜樂是從裏面而來。快樂是暫時的,是屬於生活層次的,而喜樂是屬於生命層次的,是在心靈的深處,這是因神的靈充滿而產生出來的果子。世上的「快樂」得的快,也買得到,但也失得快,甚至樂極生悲。主所賜的喜樂不是藉著模仿、刻意、勉強擠出來的,不是看環境,更不是「靠山」(有頭有臉的人),而是完全地「靠主」。因靠耶和華而得的喜樂是我們的力量(尼8:10)。

禱告:感謝神,因靠袮我才有滿足的喜樂。祢已經把喜樂、平安、盼望給了我,求袮教導我每天靠主常常喜樂,使其他的人從我身上感受到祢的喜樂。奉耶穌基督的名禱告,阿們!

《Today’s spiritual meditation》:  “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Php 4:4)

Meditation one: Are you in the midst of worry, tediousness, confusion, fear, helplessness with no joy? The Lord commands us not to rely on ourselves, but to “rely on the Lord”. Don’t wait any longer and now bravely go back to the most joyful place where God resides. He is the source of joy. Go and cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. (1Pe 5:7)

Meditation two: What is the difference between joy and happiness? Happiness comes from external while joy pours from inside. Happiness is temporary and falls onto the level of flesh. Joy belongs to the level of life, and resides deeply in the soul. This is the fruit produced by filling the heart with the spirit of God.  The worldly “happiness” although can be gained quickly or can be purchased, but also can be taken away easily and may even fall into a deep sorrow right after a great pleasure. The joy given by the Lord does not come through imitation nor be squeezed out deliberately or reluctantly. It is not to look at the environment, not to “rely on a celebrity” (with fame and prestige), but to “rely on the Lord” completely. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Neh 8:10)

Prayer: Thank God, because of You I can have the joy of satisfaction. You have already given me joy, peace, and hope. Please teach me to rely on the Lord to rejoice always every day, so that others can feel Your joy through me. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

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