REJOICE

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” —Philippians 4:4

There are times in life that make us incredibly happy. Some examples could be succeeding at that one goal you set out to achieve. Getting a surprisingly good grade on that test you were afraid of. Finding a new friend that shares your passions. How about summer break? Need I say more? Although great, these circumstances are momentary and will pass away quickly. Happiness is only present when good circumstances are also present. You can’t really be happy when the goal you try to reach just keeps slipping away out of reach, when you didn’t do so well on the test, or when a friend lets you down in a big way. 

Joy is an entirely different thing. You see, joy is not determined by circumstances. Joy exists when either good or bad things happen. It is also a fruit of the spirit (see Galatians 5:22). The Greek word rejoice used in our passage literally means ‘good cheer.’  

Paul was writing to the church in Philippi in our verse today. During its earliest years of growth, the Christian churches faced very great difficulties and persecution. Paul is reminding the Philippians that even though they have come under some hard times, they can always rejoice in the Lord. The Lord will never change, and that is something they could count on. We can count on the same promise the Philippians had almost two-thousand years ago. The Scripture says of God: 

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”—James 1:17

Joy is one of the ‘good’ and ‘perfect’ gifts that come from above. No matter what happens, you can always rejoice and have joy in the Lord; whether you find yourself down in a valley, or on top of a mountain. 

“Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.”—1 Peter 1:8–9

DIG: What are five reasons that make you rejoice in the Lord?

DISCOVER: While there may be tons, find one verse in the Bible on joy that you like the most. Write it down and put it somewhere you can see it every day to remind you that you can have joy in every situation.

DISPLAY: Next time you worship, focus your mind on rejoicing in who God is.