Rejoice!

Rejoicing is one of the hardest things to do during a hard time. Yet, the Bible tells us repeatedly to rejoice at all times. How can we rejoice at all times, even when our hearts feel broken?

I think that Paul offers us a great example of what it looks like to rejoice in Philippians 4. As Paul writes Philippians he is imprisoned. Honestly, that alone seems like enough of a reason to NOT rejoice! Paul responds differently though. Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” What a statement!

Today as we consider that statement, I want to point out two important parts of this verse. First, notice where our rejoicing comes from. We do not rejoice because of something that we have done. We do not rejoice because we are so great, or because everything is perfect. Instead, we rejoice in the Lord always! See, rejoicing does not happen because of something that occurs in our lives. Instead, we rejoice because of who our God is! As a follower of God, there is great freedom that comes because we are not “riding the waves” of life. Instead, we fix our hope on the firm foundation of God.

The second observation that I want to make from Philippians 4:4 today is that we are to rejoice always. Regardless of our situation, or our surroundings, we are called to rejoice and that can only happen if we have a fundamental shift of our mindset. Our mindset has to leave an earthly focus and has to turn towards a heavenly focus where we find our greatest joy and satisfaction from God! When that happens; when our focus is no longer on our earthly situation, but is on our great God and Savior, then we will be able to rejoice in any situation.

So today, let me challenge you to take a few minutes to get into God’s Word and to talk to God. Today, join me in fixing our eyes on God so that we can rejoice regardless of the situation.

Pastor Daniel