The Command to Rejoice (Phil. 4:4)
Many believers allow themselves to be victimized by their circumstances and consequently vacillate between a spiritual high and low. For them, to rejoice seems unreasonable, even impossible. That is why the command is to rejoice "in the Lord" (Phil. 4:4).
We can't always rejoice in our circumstances or in other people, because both of these elements may be negative. However, we can rejoice in the Lord, because He is always good, and He never changes.
Our spiritual stability is directly related to our knowledge of and commitment to God. Knowing Him helps us live above our circumstances and provides stability. That's why the psalms were written in poetic form and meter and set to music—so the people of Israel could memorize Scripture and sing hymns in order to deepen their knowledge of God. Knowing Him makes everything else seem less significant.
Read Psalm 139; Romans 8:28; and 1 Peter 1:8, 9. What reasons are given there for us to rejoice? How can we learn to rejoice in these promises of God?
Do you need other reasons to rejoice? How about because God saved us, adopted us, and promised to give us an inheritance in Jesus Christ(Eph. 1:1-11)? When Christ returns, we will enjoy His presence and the heavenly place prepared for us (John 14:2, 3). Until that time, it's a joy to know that God has promised to supply all our needs (Phil. 4:19). Furthermore, we have the privilege of serving the One we supremely love. That includes sharing the good news with the lost and encouraging fellow Christians to increase their love and service for Him. It is also a joy knowing we can pray to God at any time (Heb. 4:15, 16). Finally, we can rejoice knowing that death does not have the final word (1 Cor. 15:54).
Despite these promises, and despite all the reasons we have to rejoice, we all struggle with sadness, discouragement, and pain. These are the "facts of life" here and now. No matter our circumstances, how can we learn to find the joy that's offered us in Christ? What choices are we making that can greatly impact whether or not we avail ourselves of the joy that could be ours?
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