Rejoice In The Lord Always
Joy In The Lord Is Your Strength
PHILIPPIANS 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
”Philippians 4:4 NKJV
https://www.bible.com/114/php.4.4.nkj
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It doesn’t seem to make any sense, that Paul, who had gone through so much pain in his life, that from a prison cell, who was actually imprisoned for his faith, would be telling the church from his cell to rejoice.
His attitude teaches us believers today a very important lesson. Our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outward circumstances.
Paul kept his peace and joy because he was proud to suffer for Christ. He knew that no matter what happened to him, Christ was with him, and would give him strength to run his race to the finish.
He said, “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:11-13 NKJV
Paul urged the Philippians to be joyful even in the midst of painful challenges, not to be sarcastic or nasty, but because they needed to hear it.
Today, many of you including myself need to hear this. It’s not easy to be joyful in difficult circumstances. But if we believers focus on Christ, the future He is preparing for us, everything He has done and is doing for us individually. We can all have joy in the Lord-and joy in the Lord is your strength (NEHEMIAH 8:10).
My brothers and sisters in Christ, take on board Paul’s advice; whatever your circumstance, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
