Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. – Philippians 4:4

Again I Say, “Rejoice!”

You can’t say this enough – so Paul says it many times, “Rejoice!”

It is the natural response to joy and joy is the natural progression of grace in our lives. It is giddy, chuckle joy, the kind that giggles and sings and sets the heart to rhythm

It is gratitude and evangelism and worship wrapped up in one all encompassing emotion of inner gladness. It is command and promise in one admonition. It is Christmas and Easter and New Year’s Day mingled with the Fourth of July and St. Valentine’s Day exploding exponentially into a chorus of praise to God.

It is perpetual. Rejoice in the Lord, ALWAYS! That means whatever the passing emotion of the moment, no matter how deep the despair or bitter the defeat, no matter how lonely one may be, disheartened, disappointed, or discouraged, rejoice! Whatever the circumstances of one’s life, the great motivation for rejoicing is a joy so deep and enduring that it surpasses all sorrow.

It’s not about “fake it till you make it,” although there may be a way of understanding that advice that can be helpful. Nor is it about any sort of superficial gladness. It is about connecting to something real, permanent, and spiritually authentic that never changes,

It is Christ in you the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

It is Christ’s peace, presence, and power.

It is faith. It is hope. It is abiding love and sovereign grace.

It is God’s joy. Therefore, we rejoice in the Lord and all other reasons for rejoicing are passing fancies.

Such a simple verse! Such a crucial reminder! Follow God’s Word at this point and it will change your attitudes, your moods, and your outlook on everything. Develop it as a skill (It doesn’t happen over night) and you will begin to see the difference it makes in your life.