Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”
Paul’s letter to the Philippians is also called “the epistle of joy” because of its numerous references to joy. It is all the more remarkable because Paul wrote the letter from a dark and lonely prison cell. Even in prison, Paul rejoiced (Philippians 1:18). And he urges believers of the Lord Jesus Christ to also rejoice – always! In today’s verse, he emphasizes it with the phrase, “Again I will say, rejoice.”
For those of us who have experienced the saving love of the Lord Jesus, joy should be our defining characteristic. Our joy is not temporary or conditional. We don’t just rejoice when we get good news but stay morose on any other ordinary day. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It is not based on how well our day is going but on our relationship with the Lord.
Note that Paul says we should rejoice “in the Lord”. If our joy is based on our circumstances, it will not last. But if we’re conscious of the Lord’s active presence in our lives, we will always find reasons to rejoice.
Are you struggling to find joy in your life? Take a moment to cast your cares on the Lord and remember that He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Then, take your eyes away from your problems and place them on the One who sacrificed His very life for you. Recount all the wondrous things the Lord has done, and you’ll be able to make the right choice to rejoice.
