happy in the service of the king

One of 1500 hymns written by Alfred Henry Ackley, who had worked with Billy Sunday's evangelism team and Homer Rodeheaver's publishing company, is "I am Happy in the Service of the King."  Since July 3, 1960, the date of Ackley's death, one can sense a shift in the degree of happiness written on the faces of the King's servants.  As creation marches downhill toward the end of the age, the reasons to despair seem to abound.  However, God's Word gives us so many reasons, Spirit-inspired reasons, to rejoice.  Let's review a few of them together - and as we do, we are not looking for a superficial rah-rah session.  It's helpful to take several moments or even days and meditate on each one of these.

Rejoice in every good thing which the LORD your God has given unto you (Deuteronomy 26:11)
Rejoice in the LORD’s salvation (1 Sam 2:1)
“Let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD” (1 Chronicles 16:10)
“Rejoice that the LORD reigns.” (1 Chronicles 16:31)
“Let all those that put their trust in You rejoice.” (Psalm 5:11)
Shout for joy, because God defends you. (Psalm 5:11)
“Let them also that love Your name be joyful in You.” (Psalm 5:11)
Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:12) (in the context of persecution)
Rejoice because your names are written in Heaven. (Luke 10:20)
Rejoice that Christ is preached, regardless of the motive (Philippians 1:18)
Rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4)
Rejoice evermore (1 Thessalonians 5:16)

​This makes me want to go find a corner somewhere and shout "Amen!"