Many years ago I did a study in church based around Philippians 4 v 4 to 8, and since that time I have always loved Philippians 4 v 4.
I have to be honest and say that I have not always been able to “live out” this verse, but it is one I come to time and time again to remind myself that whether I rejoice or not is a choice.
To rejoice means to be glad or to be calmly happy.
To rejoice is a choice, and it is a choice we are to make under every circumstance.
Paul wrote this epistle while in prison, when conditions were not ideal.
Even under these conditions Paul made the choice to rejoice and suggests that we do also.
He does not say rejoice when you feel good, rejoice when things are going well; no, he says rejoice always.
Rejoice when times are tough, rejoice when people are against you, and rejoice when you are not feeling great.
We can rejoice under all circumstances if we truly understand who we are in Christ and what we have through Him.
When we look at the “bigger picture” we really can rejoice under all circumstances.
I agree that this is not always easy, but it gets easier the more we grow in grace.
The more we understand about His love for us, how we have been reconciled and forgiven and how as a gift of grace through faith we have been saved and made righteous, the more we will be able to choose to rejoice.
Speak this out today…..”Thank you Lord for all I am in Christ and all that I have through Him and I rejoice in those truths tonight”.
Philippians 4 v 4…..Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice
Heilan Word Ministries 