How can we cultivate a heart that rejoices like Jethro's in Exodus 18:9? Rediscovering Jethro’s Moment of Joy • Exodus 18:9: “Jethro rejoiced over all the goodness that the LORD had done for Israel, whom He had delivered from the hand of the Egyptians.” • Jethro’s gladness is anchored in two unshakable realities: – God’s goodness is concrete, observable, and historic. – God’s deliverance is complete and personal. What Sparked Jethro’s Rejoicing? 1. He listened to Moses’ testimony (Exodus 18:8). 2. He traced every event back to “the LORD.” 3. He celebrated deliverance as if it were his own. Foundational Truths That Fuel the Same Joy in Us • God’s acts are literal, not legendary; therefore, they remain praise-worthy today (Psalm 105:5). • Every good gift—ancient or current—comes “from above” (James 1:17). • Continuous rejoicing is a command, not an option (1 Thessalonians 5:16). Practical Rhythms for a Jethro-Like Heart 1. Daily Remembering – Keep a running list of the Lord’s recent mercies. – Rehearse biblical deliverances (Psalm 77:11). 2. Story Sharing – Verbally recount God’s interventions to family and friends (Psalm 105:2). – Treat each testimony as fresh evidence of His faithfulness. 3. Celebratory Participation – Enter others’ victories with genuine delight (Romans 12:15). – Consider their rescue an extension of your own inheritance in Christ. 4. Guarded Focus – Refuse to dwell on what seems undone; magnify what God has already completed (Philippians 4:4). – Confront cynicism with Scripture-soaked gratitude. Joy-Killers to Watch For • Forgetfulness—solved by deliberate remembrance (Deuteronomy 4:9). • Comparison—defeated when we glory in the Lord’s specific goodness (Psalm 105:3). • Isolation—undone by regular fellowship and testimony exchange (Hebrews 10:24-25). Living It Out This Week • Begin each morning by naming three recent evidences of the Lord’s goodness. • Share at least one of them aloud before the day ends. • When hearing someone else’s God-story, pause to rejoice on the spot—out loud. The God who sparked Jethro’s gladness still works wonders; a watchful, grateful heart will never lack reasons to rejoice. |
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