Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
This is an interesting statement, coming from a man in prison, facing possible execution. When we look at Paul’s circumstances, he clearly did not have much reason to rejoice. But he didn’t tell us to rejoice in our circumstances always. He told us to rejoice in the Lord always!
The Lord, who loves us beyond measure, and who has the power to bring good out of any circumstance, is worthy of our rejoicing! When we find ourselves depressed, anxious, longing for death, lost in despair, we can think about our Lord! Perhaps the reason that we have lost our joy is because we have allowed the wrong things to be the source of our joy.
Despite the circumstances surrounding us, we can always find joy in our Lord. When life is good, God is good. When life is rotten, God is still good. When life is just downright mediocre, God is so very, very good.
“The Lord can restore the years the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25). He can bind up the brokenhearted (Isaiah 61:1). He can make evil become a means of grace. ‘As for you,’ said Joseph to his brothers, ‘ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good’ (Genesis 50:20). In Paul’s words, ‘He is able even to subdue all things unto himself’ (Philippians 3:21). The Lord has the power. We may have to limp like Jacob to the end of our days on earth. We may be broken by God because of our past, but in eternity a wise and loving Lord will give us back what we so wantonly threw away.” (John Phillips, Exploring Philippians.)
Paul wanted his readers to be happy. He knew that true joy and happiness cannot be found in our circumstances. It can, however, be found in the Lord. So, my friends, rejoice with me! Rejoice in our Lord who never changes, no matter how much the world around us fluctuates. Rejoice in the One who can fill up our lives and give wings to our souls, as He molds us into to the beautiful creatures He intended for us to be.
Dear Father, Thank You for being my source of joy, no matter what.
Amen
Amen and amen, my little preacher’s wife, and a “preacher” in her own right.
Rejoicing is what it is all about – no matter what our circumstances.
I believe that rejoicing and forgiving are the two keys to success in this life.
It has certainly proved true in my story.
Love you,
Jlo