Rejoice in the L*rd Always

Week 5 - Day 31

"Rejoice in the L*rd always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The L*rd is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to G*d' and the peace of G*d, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4-7).

Paul is writing to the Philippians from jail. One of the main themes of the New Testament book is joy. He emphasizes this when he says, "Rejoice in the L*rd always." He not only says it once; but he repeats it, just in case we somehow overlook its significance.

This command is in three parts. First, we are to rejoice. This means to be glad and take delight. Secondly, we are to rejoice in the L*rd. We are not to just think positively, but we are to "rejoice" by exulting in the various aspects of our L*rd's nature and promises concerning what we are tempted to worry about. Lastly, we are to rejoice always. It is to be a continual expression of our lives (not just something we do in church or when we feel like it.) Remember, this is not a suggestion, but it's a command. That we may depress some, but it excites me because G*d never commands us to something He has not already empowered us to be able to perform. Yipee! Now that is something to rejoice about!

There is one more thing to see here before we close. The verses that follow "rejoice in the L*rd always" tell us to absolutely and totally reject worry. We are to empty ourselves of this crippler in our lives. This will occur as we have a revelation of truth to replace the worry with prayer, thanksgiving and rejoicing in the L*rd. Thankful rejoicing is truly a key for a powerful prayer life and to walking in deep peace and joy.

Declaration: i am learning how to rejoice in the L*rd always. I continually turn my heart towards His goodness, love and promises. I verbalize praise, thanksgiving and adoration of Jesus. I don't wait for circumstances to change before rejoicing, but my rejoicing changes circumstances.