Rejoice in the Lord

A song that came out some years ago says, “Don’t worry, be happy”. The problem is that the song never tells you how to be happy. Paul doesn’t tell us to be happy, in fact the Bible never promises happiness, instead he says to rejoice,

Philippians 4:4 NIV84

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Joy is described as a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22)

Rejoicing is not just a feeling but a choice. It is expressing joy, gladness. It is the out-pouring of gratitude to God.

Notice that in our verse Paul repeats the command for emphasis. Had already told them to rejoice earlier in the letter:

Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.

In the same way it is good for us to be reminded that we are to rejoice always.

When to rejoice

Rejoicing does not depend on favorable circumstances, it is based on our faith in God and what Jesus has done for us. It is the result of knowing God’s power at work in the past, trusting in God to continue to be at work in the present, and being certain of God’s victory in the future.

Paul is not writing these words from a life of ease, a comfortable office or study. He is in Rome under house arrest, in chains, awaiting trial as he writes these words to Christians who are suffering for their commitment to Christ. When Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Ephesus, after having been beaten and placed in stocks in the inner cell, they sang hymns.

Rejoicing is not a suggestion or optional for a Christian, it is a command.

Rejoice when persecuted – because great reward in heaven

Romans 5:3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

Rejoicing when things aren’t going well

Habakkuk 3:17–18 NIV84

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Joy Ridderholf, founder of Gospel Recordings, Inc., once wrote: Count it all joy—even when you feel stupid. Someone had written her asking, “Can a person rejoice in his own blunders?” Her answer: “Being notoriously absent minded, I have made some bad ones! But I do not mean to, and each time I hope to do better. However, I immediately begin to rejoice in it. Furthermore, I thank God for permitting me to make the mistake.”

Joy went on to say that on one occasion she had forgotten a speaking engagement. When it came to her mind, she was horrified and felt very stupid. But it was too late to correct it, so all she could do was to rejoice and to comfort herself in the realization that God would cause it to work out for good. The result was that the person who suddenly had to fill in for her discovered the gift of speaking and a new area of ministry.

Rejoicing in worship

Nehemiah 8:10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Ways to rejoice

How do you express the joy of the Lord? Expressions of joy:

Singing

Shouting

Psalm 33:1–3 NIV84

Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

Dancing

Psalm 149:2–3 NIV84

Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp.

2 Samuel 6:14 David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might,

Clapping hands

Psalm 47:1 NIV84

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.

What are we saying to God when we don’t rejoice or are only half-hearted in our worship? Joy is the distinctive mark of the believer in Christ Jesus. Its source is our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Reasons to rejoice

Paul is not simply advocating a positive mental attitude or urging his readers to “cheer up” and “have a nice day.” He is reminding his readers and us that no matter what happens God is in control, that He is faithful, that His mercy endures forever, and that nothing can separate us from His love.

God is with us

God has saved us

God will provide

God is allowing the circumstances for a purpose

God will bring good out of it

God has a place prepared for us

May we hear the words of Paul, and put them into practice in our lives – Rejoice always!