Daily Devotional

-September 12, 2021-

Good morning, happy Lord’s Day,

-Rejoicing In The Lord Always-

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice!”

(Philippians 4:4).

Paul wrote the epistle to the Philippians while in prison for his faith in Christ. Conditions in prisons in those days were deplorable. They were hot in the summer and cold in the winter; the smells were horrible, and the food and treatment by the guards intolerable. Yet, Paul spoke of joy, rejoicing, and gladness.

Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Twice in our verse he tells the saints to rejoice. He himself was an example of rejoicing in the midst of very difficult circumstances. He said in Philippians 1:18, “What then? Only that in pretense or in truth, the gospel is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.” He then told the believers, “For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me” (Philippians 2:18).

The key to our verse today is found in the words, “in the Lord.” Rejoicing in difficulties, tragedies, and hardships makes no sense whatsoever outside of Christ. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the reason we can rejoice, and rejoice always. We are saved from our sins, forgiven, and have eternal life. Our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of life, we are children and heirs of God. We have peace with God and enjoy the peace of God. Our blessings are endless, our hope is eternal.

We can rejoice in all ways and at all times because God is working in our lives. He has a plan for us and is carrying it out for our good and His glory. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

No believer in Jesus should frown or be down. We must choose gladness over sadness; rejoicing over complaining. Someone once said, “Pain is unenviable, misery is optional.” When things are hard it is not easy to rejoice, but it is always the best choice! Our testimony before others, especially unbelievers, is brightest when they see us rejoicing in darkest of times.

May the Lord help us to rejoice in the Lord always. I learned a song when I was very young that said, “I can smile as I walk along life’s road, I can smile if I carry a heavy load, I can smile, because I walk with Jesus.”

Have a blessed day rejoicing in the Lord. Stay safe and healthy.

In His grace,

Dean