Always Rejoice

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul gives an exhortation to
"Rejoice in the Lord always - and again I say, rejoice!" (Philippians
4:4). Paul had been arrested and sent to Rome to await trial. He
spent his days and nights under house arrest chained to a Roman
soldier, but was still able to say, rejoice...always!

When we begin to understand the life changing gift of forgiveness
through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus - when we truly grasp the
concept of eternity and, through faith, believe we will spend all
eternity in the presence of God - we have more than enough reason to
rejoice, no matter what our present circumstances might be.

If we are unable to rejoice, we have allowed our eyes to become too
fixed on the present. Our attention has become focused on our
earthly desires, goals and ambitions, and we have lost sight of the
blessings of a life in Christ. Either that, or we don't really believe!

The verses which immediately follow Paul's call to rejoice list some
real benefits of a life of rejoicing.

Philippians 4:5-7
"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be
anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of
God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus."

Gentleness and a lack of anxiety result from rejoicing in a risen
Savior. If Jesus Christ can be raised from the dead and sit down "at
the right hand of God" (Hebrews 10:12), then our Heavenly Father can
certainly take care of problems with our job, health, kids, finances
or relationships - so rejoice! When we rejoice and focus on an
eternity in Heaven and a Savior who walks by our side, our anxiety
fades - our present trials become "light and momentary" (2 Corinthians 4:17).

When we live a life filled with rejoicing, we are able to focus on
the solutions we know God can provide. We develop a heart of
thanksgiving - a heart which naturally presents everything to God in
prayer and waits with grateful expectation for His reply. We begin
to trust in God's plan for our life and His desire for us to be with
Him forever. The result, which admittedly takes time and patience,
is "the peace of God which transcends all understanding."

These words written by Paul are not the deluded ramblings of an old
man in Roman confinement, they are the true promises of God! They
represent a promised life we all can live. Our Father offers us a
life of gentleness, contentment, and peace; a life free of anxiety
and worry. But this life can only happen if we love and trust Him
with all our heart, and if we are determined to always rejoice.

Have a Great Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

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Scripture references: The Holy Bible: New International Version.
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