COVER LETTER
Dearly Beloved:
BE GLAD IN THE LORD AND REJOICE ALWAYS.
David the Psalmist said, “Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing” (Psalm 100:2).
How can we be glad in such perilous times? How can we rejoice when a loved one is taken and grief floods our soul? How can we come into God’s presence with gladness of heart when the wicked one has led a son or daughter into drugs, alcohol, sexual promiscuity? How can we serve God with gladness when we wake up each day to trouble and affliction, when everything that can be shaken is now shaking?
Does God call upon us to be glad when we are enduring hard times? YES! David endured many sorrows and afflictions. Enemies chased him into a wilderness. His own sons betrayed him, and his son Absalom stole his throne. David was constantly facing overwhelming battles, sometimes weeping and broken through the long nights.
Yet, in the midst of all his sufferings, David cried out, “Let the righteous be glad: let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. Sing unto God, sing praises to his name” (Psalm 68:3–4).
We are told to exceedingly rejoice and be glad in times of suffering and affliction. Peter said to those in the midst of heavy trials, “Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12–13).
David testified his gladness of heart came while he was in the Lord’s presence. “Thou hast made (me) exceeding glad with thy countenance” (Psalm 21:6). Jesus was anointed with the oil of gladness. And when we, in prayer, give thanks for all things, God anoints us with the same gladness. Come often into his presence, and you will obtain joy.
A closing reminder: our Mount Zion School of Ministry is enrolling students. We are looking for those who truly hunger to know Jesus better and desire to make their lives count for him. The tuition is very reasonable. A number of students have come here to get close to the Lord and grounded in his Word before going to college. For information, you may call the school: (717) 865-2000; or, write to Mount Zion School of Ministry: 74 Harrison School Rd., Grantville, PA 17028; or, visit their web site: www.mzsom.org.
God bless those readers who regularly support our worldwide outreaches to the fatherless, including many orphanages, shelters for the very poorest, and feeding programs for many thousands of hungry children.
Thanks for caring! God is meeting our needs through our friends.
In Christ,
DAVID WILKERSON
DW:bbm 3.10.08
