Philippians 4:4 says “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” The Greek word here for rejoice according to the original Greek is to be filled with cheerfulness and happiness. And the word “always” means just that, being defined as “every when” or “at all times”; the importance of this in the Christian’s life being seen by the repetition of the word “rejoice”. “But” you say, “That’s a pretty tall order given the chaos in government, the turmoil in the world, the sinfulness on every hand, to say nothing of the personal difficulties I go through.” Aw, this is where the Christians joy is separated from that of the world; Those without Christ in the world are dependent on a high moment or circumstances to bring a sense of joy for a brief time, but the Christians joy is not dependent on the external, instead it rises up from within being a fruit of the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). It is “the joy of the Lord” Nehemiah 8:10. It is the joy of Jesus implanted in us according to His word in John 15:11, He said “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” This joy and rejoicing is connected to both prayer and thanksgiving in 1 Thessalonians 5:17-19, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Yes, He desires us to be joyful, and communicate with Him in an atmosphere of thanksgiving! And Peter adds this word, “Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory” 1 Peter 1:8.
Thank you Lord
By Rose Hill
Mt heart is full of great thanksgiving,
That my life was blessed with joyful living.
And since I’m older and look back in years,
I’m even grateful for all the tears,
And all the sorrows and all the fears.
For they taught me how to live and trust,
And that faith in my Savior is surely a must.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright …1982 by Thomas nelson Co. used by permission.