‘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 light. 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). Righteousness comes when we become right with God. When we receive what Jesus did on the cross. With that comes the peace Jesus Himself left with us. Not peace like the world gives, but His peace (Jhn. 11:27). There may be 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 don’t think Paul meant it as a light or easy thing to do. I think it required a daily choice for Paul to rejoice in the midst of His sufferings. If you are really suffering, it can actually feel very challenging when someone says you should rejoice. But I think Paul had found the greatest tool 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).
This blog is about my own journey to rejoice in the Lord every day.
He has given me three practical keys to help me get there, when I start each day with Him.
Worship, Being grateful and Keeping the 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. But He has taken me on a continual journey where each day counts, and I learn something new all the time. And that is what I want to share with you in this blog. I hope it will encourage you and give inspiration to your own journey with Jesus.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
