‘Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!’ Phil. 4:4
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul uses the word “joy” or “rejoice” 16 times. Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter, and had suffered in many ways for Jesus. He had more than enough reasons to be sad, angry, bitter and depressed. Yet, he had found the truth. In the midst of all his suffering, he encourages people to rejoice. I believe he experienced, in a very practical way, that the joy of the Lord was his strength (Neh. 8:10).
Self-pity, anger, bitterness and fear steal our peace and joy. It can make us feel like we are walking through mud, and take our energy and passion. That’s why God wants us to be joyful and enjoy our lives. Joy makes our work lighter. His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matt. 11:30).
The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17). When we receive what Jesus did on the cross, we become right with God – righteous. With that comes the peace that Jesus gave us. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives “(Jhn. 14:27). We may experience chaos in the world around us, but on the inside, the peace of Jesus can reign in anyone, who has received His gift. And when we have peace, joy can flow. Think about it. Have you ever been able to be truly joyful, when you didn’t have peace inside?
Can we always be joyful?
So, how can we rejoice in the Lord when we are sick, have financial problems, or feel lonely or rejected? What about people who have been through traumatic experiences or live in extreme poverty?
I think Paul understood it wasn’t a light or easy thing he was asking people to do. He knew it required a daily choice to rejoice in the midst of his sufferings. But I think Paul had found joy to be the greatest key, to help him go through his sufferings.That’s why he encouraged others to do the same. Jesus even said ‘Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you, because of me. Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven’ (Matt 5:11-12).
Jesus has given me three practical keys to help me get to the joy, when I start each day with Him.
Worship. Being grateful. Peace.
Some days one of the keys work, some days another. Some days I need more than one or all three. And some days, none of them work, and Jesus does something else. But He has taken me on a continual journey where each day counts, and I learn something new all the time.
Rejoice in the Lord always, I say again rejoice.
