MARCH 24, Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice always! We do not expect these words to come from someone suffering the cold and stench of a prison, do we? It is easy to rejoice and celebrate under comfortable and happy circumstances but quite hard to joke and make merry over sickness, starvation, poverty or death. Yet, Paul said to rejoice!

Of course, Paul said to rejoice in the Lord. Therefore, without the Lord, there is no way we can rejoice. It is only when we know the Lord that we can and should rejoice always. Does “rejoicing always” mean going around grinning at everybody all the time? Don’t do that because people may think something is wrong with you, and will not take you seriously! Instead, to rejoice is to have this inward strength that because Jesus is with you, nothing will be able to trouble you permanently. Sure we will still be concerned about things – but we need not be worried for we can cast our burdens to Jesus.

To rejoice always does not mean there would be no sorrowing. There are times when we need to weep with those who weep. There are times when we are grieved by the death of a loved one. Jesus wept for those who did not believe in Him because he knew they would end up in hell.

Christians rejoice from the heart. We have the joy of salvation and hence, citizenship in heaven. We have a friend in Jesus who will never leave or forsake us. He will always help us with our problems. God has perfect control over all things. He holds our future. Both good and bad things happen to us for the good purpose of strengthening our faith and drawing us closer to Him. Are these not good enough reasons for Christians to rejoice always?

Write inside the heart what will make you rejoice always:

Thought: Rejoice always because of the joy of the Lord!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be joyful in all circumstances of life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.