October 23, 2023

Philippians 4: 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (NIV)

Blessed are those who are totally dependent on Jesus for their joy.*

The Old Testament is full of examples of rejoicing for good cause - for God’s provision, for his deliverance, for his lovingkindness, for his faithfulness. There are similar occasions of rejoicing in the New Testament; but along the way, our joy takes an ominous turn.

• Matthew 5: 12; Luke 6: 23 – Jesus said to rejoice and be glad because we are going to be persecuted.
• Acts 5: 41 – the apostles rejoiced because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 
• II Corinthians 6: 10 – Paul’s long list of paradoxes includes “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.” 
• Philippians 2: 17; Colossians 1: 24 – Paul rejoices in sacrifices made for others. 
• I Peter 4: 13 – Peter urges us to rejoice when we suffer for Christ because we will know more joy when his glory is revealed.

In this very short verse in Philippians, Paul reveals two important secrets for rejoicing in the midst of persecution, suffering, sorrow, and sacrifice. The first: it is a choice. Rejoicing for blessings comes naturally; only the most mentally dysfunctional are unable to find joy in the good things. But Paul’s admonition to rejoice indicates that we can – we must – choose rejoicing. The second: we rejoice in the Lord. 

It is ridiculous to think that Christians are supposed to want to suffer merely for the sake of suffering. But our hope is in the Lord. He gives meaning and purpose to sorrow and persecution, and we give glory to him when we choose to rejoice in him.

You are one decision away from joy.*