Philippians is one of my favorite books in the bible. Paul’s letter to his beloved friends in Philippi is written from jail. Yet, joy dominates this letter to the believers at Philippi . In fact, the concept of “rejoicing” or “joy” appears sixteen times in four chapters. The pages radiate the positive, triumphant message that because of Christ’s work for us (2:6-11; 3:12), because of the Holy Spirit’s work in and through us (1:6, 12-14, 18-26; 2:12-13; 4:4-7, 10-13), and because of God’s plan for us (1:6, 9-10; 3:7-14, 20-21; 4:19), we can and should REJOICE!
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! (nASB)
Joy can be found in many things; a baby, rested, fed, and lying in his mother’s arms. Looking down with unspeakable love into those precious eyes, Mommy begins to talk to her son and gently strokes his cheek, evoking a sudden smile. Or a three-year-old playing with his father on the living room floor. With Dad’s wrestling moves transformed into tickles, the little boy begins to giggle, and both end up laughing hysterically. That’s joy—contentment, security, and unbridled laughter.
But for the believer joy can also be discovered in the pain and struggles of life—at a funeral, knowing, through tears, that we will see our loved again; in a hospital bed, knowing that the Lord stands near; at the unemployment office, knowing that God will provide for all our needs. True joy runs deep and strong, flowing from confident assurance in God’s loving control.
Rejoice … rejoice! It seems strange that a man in prison would be telling a church to keep on rejoicing. But Paul’s attitude teaches us an important lesson: Our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outward circumstances. Paul was full of joy because he knew that no matter what happened to him, Jesus Christ was with him.
Rejoice … rejoice! It seems strange that a man in prison would be telling a church to keep on rejoicing. But Paul’s attitude teaches us an important lesson: Our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outward circumstances. Paul was full of joy because he knew that no matter what happened to him, Jesus Christ was with him.
It’s easy to get discouraged about unpleasant circumstances or to take unimportant events too seriously. While believers often will encounter situations in which we cannot be happy, we can always rejoice and delight in the Lord. Paul did not call believers to an empty, put-on show of happiness, for Christians should not be insensitive to the sorrow of others; he called for genuine joy, which is possible only “in the Lord.” It is only through a believer’s relationship with God that we find joy in pain, suffering, persecution, and sorrow.
Chuck Swindoll stated in Laugh Again, “Worry about nothing…pray about everything, and rest”
Regardless of our life’s situation, we can find joy, true joy, in Jesus.
Have a Blessed Day!
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