Sometimes, there's no earthly reason to rejoice. You have impossible circumstances and unresolved issues that are painting a cloud of dread all over the landscape of your soul.
And yet, there is always a way to rejoice.
Paul shows us the secret. And certainly, if anyone had a thousand obstacles, it was Paul.
Here's what he told the church at Philippi — people who were suffering for their faith in Christ —
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4 NIV
These words from Paul are quite profound especially considering the fact that he was writing them from prison. Paul is exhorting suffering believers to be glad and find joy in the Lord. The most powerful part of this is that he is saying it's actually possible. He says to rejoice in the Lord always.
So I have been thinking about this. Especially in the midst of some challenges and circumstances that can loom large on the horizon. Do you have any of those facing you right now?
Here's what we need to realize. The Lord rules and reigns, especially in your life. He has your back. And He has a plan and a purpose. Whatever it is that is looming like a cloud over your life, you need to step back and put it in the hands of the Lord. Why? Because it is absolutely in the hands of the Lord. He is at work and has a plan. Even if a certain situation seems to hand you a failure and a loss, you have an amazing promise in the Lord. "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
Your rejoicing in the Lord always goes well beyond what He is doing on your behalf. You are united with Him in an intimate, ongoing, vibrant relationship where you enjoy Him, moment by moment, from now until you step into heaven.
Dear friend, the Lord Jesus is your reason to rejoice. Knowing and loving Him is incomparable — there is nothing in this world that even comes close. The very presence of the Lord has the ability to make you smile. Even if you are sad and suffering a deep loss. Get close to Him and lean into His presence. You will find a comfort and healing touch that will apply a healing balm to wounded, broken places in your heart.
I love what Eadie says in his commentary on Philippians 4:4 —
To rejoice in Him is to exult in Him, not as a dim abstraction, but as a living person—so near and so loving, so generous and so powerful, that the spirit ever turns to him in admiring grateful homage, covets His presence as its sunshine, and revels in fellowship with Him. Despondency is weakness, but joy is strength.
A Commentary on the Greek Text of the Epistle of Paul to the Philippians by J. Eadie
Rejoicing in the Lord keeps you strong especially in the midst of circumstances that could throw you down. As Nehemiah discovered, "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).
So today, dear friend, because the Lord is powerful and purposeful, why not take the high road, the faith way, and be like this little hummingbird, and just rejoice with great abandon in your magnificent, majestic Lord! He is able to do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20).
Dear Lord, thank You for handling all that comes my way today and this week. I rejoice in You today and ALWAYS. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Blessings ♡ Grace
