Philippians 4:4 – August 7, 2018

Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NABRE     

Paul is writing to the community at Philippi a letter of fellowship. He is nearing the end of the letter and he urges two members of the community to reconcile, reaching out to others to help in this matter. Then he declares rejoicing, not regular rejoicing, but rejoicing in the Lord. There are several places in the letter where Paul encourages rejoicing, he is very enthusiastic about it. It is a challenge to exhort others into rejoicing, like a clown at a party trying to make everyone happy. But Paul knows, despite what is going on at the moment their union with the risen Lord will evoke a deep and wonderful joy. Paul reminds them joy is not a feeling but a choice. Therefore choosing to be in the Lord is joy. We too choose the Lord and therefore should rejoice in all things. Of course certain events happen in our life that cause pain and we suffer in those moments. But, ultimately we have a life of joy because we are the Lord’s and know our suffering will be replaced with joy. Paul writes this rejoice imprisoned, not able to be with the community he loves, but for him because of the Lord he is rejoicing.

What is your approach to joy? Is it something always within reach, or do you struggle to find joy even in happy moments? As a culture we are becoming more and more negative, crushing the joy of each of us. Be like Paul, encourage one another, spur one another on, remind one another to choose to rejoice in the Lord. If you don’t know the Lord, maybe you don’t know joy either. Would you like to learn about a God who is nothing but love? Ask me. .

Do you encourage others, particularly Christians, to rejoice? Do you use your social media tools to talk about the Lord and joy or is there something more important you share?

What is your approach to joy? Is it something always within reach, or do you struggle to find joy even in happy moments? As a culture we are becoming more and more negative, crushing the joy of each of us. Be like Paul, encourage one… Click To Tweet

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