Marked by Rejoicing

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.     –  Romans 12:12 

The singular word best used to describe John Samuel Bewley Monsell is “prolific.“ The 19th-century poet and hymnwriter was educated at Trinity College, Dublin. He pastored many churches in Ireland and England until his death at age 64 after he suffered a construction accident at his church. His eleven volumes contained over three hundred hymns of love and praise and spiritual songs. Among them is “On Our Way Rejoicing.” The third stanza proclaims, “On our way rejoicing/ Gladly let us go; / Conquered hath our Leader! / Vanquished is our foe! / Christ without, our safety; / Christ within, our joy; / Who, if we be faithful / Can our hope destroy?” 

Hopeful rejoicing is a mark of a true follower of Jesus Christ. Theologian John Piper says rejoicing in hope, being patient in tribulation, and being constant in prayer are “all for the sake of loving each other and loving our enemies as we ought. In this way Christ—the ground and goal of it all—becomes more visible and more real and more convincing in the world. … The ultimate hope of every heart is the glory of God.” 

The Monsell hymn reminds you that you are on your way to the time of your ultimate experience with Christ, when you see Him and join with Him for eternity. Another hymn states, “It will be worth it all when I see Jesus.” While your joy now is nothing compared to the everlasting joy to come, avoid decreasing your present joy with “what if’s” and “if only’s.” Trust Him. Wait patiently as He acts. Stay in prayerful communication with Him in thanks and praise. “Christ within, our joy!”