Rejoice?

Philippians 3:1 “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.”

Rejoice in the Lord! That is an interesting statement, coming from a man who was chained to his quarters, who had no privacy, who was being held simply for teaching about the love of Christ. How could he rejoice? How could he not be angry or depressed or frustrated? Why in the world would this man, who had endured so much, tell his friends to rejoice?

It is simple. Paul had found the Source, the Artesian Well of joy. He said, “Rejoice in the Lord!” He didn’t tell them, “Rejoice because I am in prison.” He didn’t say, “Be happy that I might soon be executed.” Instead, he said, “Rejoice in the Lord!”

Paul had learned that joy and happiness are two entirely different things. While happiness often depends on one’s circumstances, joy depends on one’s soul. Happiness is determined by the present, while joy comes in knowledge of the future. Happiness is temporary, while joy, true joy, lasting joy which comes from Jesus Christ alone, is permanent.

Paul had told them often to rejoice in the Lord. And he would tell them again. He didn’t mind repeating that, or other important spiritual truths, for he knew that some things are just worth repeating.

Dear Father, I rejoice in You! Thank You for loving me, and for giving me inner joy and peace in spite of my circumstances.

Amen

3 Responses to Rejoice?

  1. October 13, 2007 #

    Praise God for the Artesian Well of joy – what a great descriptive phrase.
    I’d like to know more about artesian wells; my knowledge is that they are deep. Perhaps in a future writing of yours, you could develop this description of the Source.
    You are so right, my friend. We have been going through a tough week in my part of the woods; but in spite of it, the source of our joy and rejoicing has not changed.
    Thanks for sharing.
    And LOVE the new pic – so, now we add “photographer” to the list of Ms. Brumbaugh’s talents.
    Love,
    Jlo

  2. October 13, 2007 #

    Hey, I didn’t take the picture. The credit goes to myweb-dude, Thomas, for finding it online. 😉

    Thanks, Thomas!

    –Renae

  3. October 13, 2007 #

    ahhh..you have touched my “soft spot” in the Lord: Joy….I like the way James puts it when he says “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”(James 1:2-4 ESV)

    What an awesome opportunity/gift it is to make Joy the standard response, trusting that God is using our circumstances to our further maturing and benefit.

    I REJOICE right along with you!

    thank you for the blessing.

    Vena

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