Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4 should be read and re-read over and over again because we are so prone to moan and complain instead of rejoicing. Remember, the world is watching the way we live more than listening to what we say. This is not an option for us, but rather an imperative. We are to be a people who rejoice! That means to get a smile on our face. You might have the joy of Jesus down in your heart, but you had better let your face know about it. That is what others will see.
If I say I have complete trust in Jesus Christ to see me through every struggle, and then tremble in fear under my covers, which is dominant in my life? What will the unbelievers that I have been witnessing to say about my walk? Will they respond to my words or read my actions?
It is also this joyful attitude that leads us to the place of prayer. We come with rejoicing in our hearts to share our needs with our precious Savior — not with sad countenance as if we are at the end of our ropes, but with praise and rejoicing, in great expectation of God meeting us at our point of greatest need.
Many saints of God across the ages have had the joy and rejoicing in their hearts, even during times of deep distress. They rejoiced even as the flames consumed them. “It is joy unspeakable and full of glory, and the half has never yet been told!”
Blessings dear hearts. May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
– – Pastor Cecil