“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
Now there is a marvelous concept . . . rejoicing. If one listens to the media, one might say, “What is there to rejoice about?” But this concept is not bound by conditions and events. Note that the great Apostle ties our rejoicing to the Lord and time.
Our rejoicing is a choice we make as a result of what the Lord has done, is doing, and will do in our lives. He delivered us out of darkness and flooded us with his marvelous light. Rejoice! He rescued us from our sin and sin’s power. Rejoice! He gave us life eternal. Rejoice! He provided healing for the body. Rejoice! He supplies all our needs from his riches in glory. Rejoice! He is coming back to rescue us from this world. Rejoice!
And when is it appropriate to rejoice? In all situations, circumstances, and events: in a word, always.
And again I say, Rejoice!
Dear Father, thank you for the joy you give. Empower us with your joy that we might inspire others to rejoice with us in your grace. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his joy and choose to live in its strength,