Rejoice In The Lord

-February 3, 2025-

Good morning beloved, happy Monday,

“Rejoice in the Lord always. And again I will say, rejoice.”

(Philippians 4:4).

It is amazing to me that Paul wrote these words from a Roman prison. The whole epistle to the Philippians as an epistle of living joy in Christ.

If Paul could choose to rejoice in the Lord in the midst of such deplorable conditions, how about us? Twice in today’s verse, Paul uses the word rejoice. The word rejoice is defined as, “to feel or show great joy or delight. It far surpasses “just grin and bear it.”

Only believers in Christ can rejoice in all circumstances. How is this possible? It is because of our relationship with Christ and the great things He has done in our lives. When we accept what He is teaching us and how He uses everything for our good, we can rejoice and be thankful.

The Psalmist had a similar sentiment in Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” We are so good at rejoicing in the good, happy, successful, and victorious times; but we are not so good at rejoicing in the hard, painful, distressing times. But it rejoicing in the bad times is act of our will.

Choosing to rejoice is something we must do everyday, no matter what we go through. Someone once said, “Pain is inevitable, misery is optional.” I have never forgot those words. They challenge, inspire, and encourage me in my walk with the Lord Jesus. Our joy comes from Jesus and flows through us.

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

Rejoice in the Lord always and in all ways.

Dean