Rejoice in the Lord Always

Rejoice in the Lord

           By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

            Bible scholars often refer to Paul’s epistle to the Philippines as the epistle of joy.  In fact, Paul uses the word “rejoice” eleven times in this short letter and the word “joy” six times.  In Philippines 4:4, Paul instructs the believers in Philippi to “rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice.”  

            “Oh,” you may argue, “it was easy for Paul to rejoice.  He was an honored church leader.  He had everything going his way.  He couldn’t possibly understand what is happening in my life.”

            We forget that Paul was imprisoned by the Romans three times during his ministry.  In fact, he was in prison when he wrote the epistle of joy.  He mentions his imprisonment in Philippians 1:13-14.  If we think Paul’s life was easy, we need only read 2 Corinthians 11: 24-28:  “From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness—besides the other things, what comes upon me daily:” 

            In spite of his hardships, pain, and perils, Paul was so overcome by the miracle of salvation in Jesus Christ that he rejoiced in the midst of and in spite of his circumstances.  Jesus’ sacrifice for us makes it possible for us to rejoice.

            Why should we rejoice?  Scientific evidence shows that happier people are healthier people.  That means that we will be stronger physically, emotionally and spiritually if we learn to rejoice, if we learn to look at the positive side of life.  Proverbs 17:22 says, “a merry heart does good like a medicine.”

            Paul rejoiced while in prison because his imprisonment emboldened others to preach the truth of Jesus Christ.  Paul rejoiced because he had witnessed the Philippians maturing in their faith.  Paul rejoiced because of the presence of God in his life. 

            Another scientific study concluded that one way to be happier is to decide to be happier.  Aeschylus, an ancient Greek playwright, said, “Happiness is a choice that, at times, requires effort.” Happiness is a still choice that, even with effort, results in health and peace of mind. 

            Nehemiah 8:10 says, “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

 In John 15:11, Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement said, “"Sour godliness is the devil's own religion.”

            Do you need strength to overcome the pain and disappointment of the past? Rejoice because the old things have passed away and God has made all things new.

Do you need strength to get through today? Rejoice because God is your provision, your comfort and your hope.  Do you need strength to face the future? Rejoice because the Lord will never leave you nor forsake you.

            “Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again, I say, rejoice.