This morning on my usual walk, I became aware of a unique presence. For a stretch of about one kilometer, the butterflies started fluttering as if responding to an unseen command. They created colorful zig-zag circles around me.
My heart quickly connected to our Creator in adoration and praise. In that fresh morning breeze, when everything else is silent, the leaves and branches swaying back and forth and different shades of butterflies dancing in the wind, my spirit leapt for joy.
But how could I qualify for such delight and peace in a world full of turmoil, fear, death and destruction? I believe that God still wants to communicate with us, even in these days. I could hear Paul’s words to the church in Philippi: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
There seems to be a paradox here. We are in this world but not for this world. The pain and suffering are pressing in, yet at the same time we are treated to an out-of-this-world walk in fellowship with our Maker. It is a privilege that only sons and daughters of His kingdom can experience.
That explains why Paul so boldly says, not when things are good, but always: “Rejoice!”
~ Ibrahim