Romans 12:9-21

Be Still: Father, thank you for the gift of life. Holy Spirit, please fill me and speak to me as I read your Word today. Amen

Read: Romans 12:9-21

'Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn' (v15)

Encounter: I’m at that age where I go to a lot of baby showers. My favourite type of baby shower is the one where you go out for brunch and/or eat lots of cake. I’m less of a fan of baby showers that are heavy on the craft activities. I’m not very creative and my 'decorate your own' babygro always looks like it was drawn by a blind chimp. But I appreciate that the purpose of the event is celebrate the joyous occasion of impending new life and hey, if the kid wants to wear my monstrosity of a babygro once it's born, then all power to it!

One thing that has blown me away over the past decade has been going to baby showers alongside friends who are struggling with infertility or baby loss and watching them rejoice with expectant mothers, to whom God has given the very thing that they’ve been longing and praying for. And I’ve come to the conclusion that rejoicing with those who rejoice, amidst our own pain, is one of the most powerful things we can do as followers of Jesus. It’s a statement of defiance against the evil of this world; it’s a statement of faith that our God loves us even when we don’t get what we’re longing for – and it can be an incredible catalyst for healing. 

Apply: Are there any areas of your life where you’re struggling to rejoice with those who rejoice? Spend some time talking to Jesus about why this might be. It could have its roots in comparison, insecurity, loss or unfulfilled desire, all of which can make it challenging and painful to rejoice with others. It might also be helpful to chat to a friend and ask them to pray with you. 

Devote: Father, thank you that you love me completely even when I don’t get everything that I want. Please help me to rejoice and celebrate with others, particularly those who have the things that I want.