Really?  What if the kids are sick?  What if a parent has cancer?  What if the car breaks down?  What if you have been betrayed by a close associate?  Is that really what the Holy Spirit intended?  Honestly, it seems a bit demented.   I think there is a big difference between rejoicing in all things and rejoicing or giving thanks for all things.  Those little words make a big difference.  I don’t believe God would ever want us to give thanks for abuse in any form.  I believe God is sad with us about the disparities in our culture.  I do not believe He compels us to give thanks for fires, burglaries and false accusations.  However, in the midst of these things we can rejoice for what is unchanged, pure and good.  We can continue to rejoice in the gospel and all God has provided.  We do not have to give thanks for the brokenness of this world but we have things to rejoice about in the middle of the mess.  There are countless blessings that are ours in Christ that remain unchanged in the midst of the brokenness, pain and burdens.  This week, in our study of Acts 15, we’ll learn how happy the people in Antioch became when they heard the report from Jerusalem.  What encouraged them?  Why was there joy over the contents of the brief letter delivered by the delegates?  Simply, they were rejoicing in the gospel.  They were encouraged by the gospel.  Because of the gospel, we can have a deep and abiding sense that all is well, in spite of the mess around us.  This will take some practice and will not be without tears at times.  But, to rejoice in all things is the prerogative of the children of God.    Let’s do it…and help one another on to that which glorifies our good, good Father.