Fannie Crosby, an American songwriter and poet, composed over 8,000 hymns in her lifetime. Despite becoming blind at six weeks old, she never let her disability affect her joyful attitude. Even as a child she expressed contentment through her words. At age eight, she wrote, “Oh what a happy soul I am, although I cannot see! I am resolved that in this world contented I will be. How many blessings I enjoy that other people don’t, to weep and sigh because I’m blind I cannot, and I won’t.”

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Philippians 4:4

Fanny Crosby followed the instruction of today’s verse; she rejoiced in the Lord always. “Rejoice” in this scripture is from the Greek “chairo” meaning joy that comes from an active choice – no matter what adverse circumstances one faces. The world defines joy as an emotion brought by success or good fortune, but Christians know true joy doesn’t come from a situation, but from a Savior.

Are you facing difficult circumstances? Choose joy as Fannie did! As you pray today, ask for joy from the Lord that no one can take away. Pray also for the country to return to its spiritual heritage influenced by the joy of Christ seen in His followers.

Recommended Reading: John 16:17-28