Family of God: [FamilyofGod] Rejoice, and again I say Rejoice!

[Philippians 4:4 (54 kb)]

Rejoice, and again I say Rejoice!

Have you learned to rejoice in everything?

The Bible says, "Rejoice always" (1 Thessalonians 5:16). A
couple of verses later it says, ". . . in everything give thanks;
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (v. 18).
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice" (Philippians
4:4).

Sometimes it is not easy to rejoice or to give praise to the Lord, but
that does not change the command.

"It is God's will that we find joy in prayer in Christ Jesus in
every condition of life," writes A. T. Robertson. There are no
circumstances in the Christian's life where he cannot give thanks. God
works everything together for good for those who love Him (Rom. 8:28).

"Rejoice . . . pray . . . give thanks" is God's will for
every believer in every situation.

Nehemiah knew "the joy of the Lord is your strength" when he saw
his workers weeping as they listened to the law read to them (Neh.
8:10).

The apostle Paul writing from prison in Rome said, "Rejoice in the
Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" (Phil. 4:4).
"Rejoice" is in the present, active imperative as in 3:1 when
Paul said, "rejoice in the Lord." Paul repeats it in 4:4 for
emphasis.

Paul did not tell his readers to "be happy," but "rejoice in
the Lord." We are to "Rejoice in the Lord," not our
circumstances. Our rejoicing is to take place in Christ. We are to
delight in Him. The apostle Paul had inner joy when his external
circumstances did not look very promising.

What for you is the most difficult time or situation for you to rejoice?
Do you find it difficult to "rejoice in the Lord always" when
your good name and reputation have been smeared? Do you find it
overwhelming to "rejoice in the Lord" when you are under the
weight of despondency or depression? Is it hard to "rejoice in the
Lord" when you are slandered for the sake of Christ? Illness,
sickness of a child, aging parents, and bankrupts are times to
"rejoice in the Lord." There is no limit to the exhortation to
"rejoice in the Lord." In deed, as one beloved pastor said,
"Through fire and through water, through life and through death,
rejoice evermore.'"

Whatever happens rejoice. That is an attitude. If you are a believer in
Jesus Christ everything that really matters in this life and the next is
yours in Christ. If you trust in Jesus Christ the whole covenant of
grace is yours with all of its infinite inheritance. You have a right to
everything that grace provides as a coinheritor with Christ.

"Rejoice in the Lord" is something every Christian can do
regardless of the chances, changes and circumstances that come in your
life.

Is your hope fixed on Jesus Christ? Rejoice in Him! Are you a partaker
of the life that is in Him? Rejoice in Christ! Have you been begotten to
a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Rejoice in Him!

The Psalmist said, "Delight yourself also in the Lord." Have you
been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ? Rejoice in Him! Do you know
the electing grace of the Father that has given you eternal life?
Rejoice in the Lord! Have you experienced the forgiveness of all your
sins? Rejoice in Christ! Has the Holy Spirit spread abroad in your heart
the love of God? Rejoice in Him! Do you delight in knowing you have been
saved by grace through faith in Christ? Break forth with rejoicing with
all your heart and soul! Do you delight in knowing Jesus Christ died as
your substitute on the cross? Rejoice in the Lord!

If you have been saved the Holy Spirit has taken up permanent residence
in you. Rejoice in the Lord. Rejoice in His dwelling in you, quickening
you, comforting you, and the illuminating His Word. Rejoice in Him! Is
He abiding in your forever? Rejoice and be glad!

And there are many, many more great and mighty things God has done in
Christ that should make you rejoice and keep on rejoicing. His covenant
of grace, redeeming blood, divine sovereignty, effectual call to
salvation, justification, sanctification, glorification, final
perseverance, vital union, etc., etc. Rejoice forevermore!

Michael J Night

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