It’s one of the most frequently-quoted verses in the letter. Philippians 4:4 says: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

It’s a frequent theme throughout the letter. In fact, a form of this word is used 9 times in 4 short chapters.

Seems fairly positive, doesn’t it? But can we really rejoice always? As we answer this question, I think we need to consider who is saying it to us.

Consider person one. His message to you is “Rejoice always.” He’s about 40. He’s never dealt with anything too difficult. He’s had everything handed to him on a silver platter. He tells you to rejoice while sipping a cool drink under a palapa in the Bahamas. 

Consider person two. His message is the same: “Rejoice always.” He’s about 40 as well. But his story is different. He’s had more than his share of struggles. He’s navigated seasons of unemployment. He’s lost a loved one. He has fought cancer and struggled through the radiation treatments. 

Whose words carry more weight? Probably person two.

Well, Paul is like person two. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 tells us he had been put in prison, flogged, exposed to death, beaten with rods, pelted with stones, and shipwrecked three times. This is the man who says to “Rejoice always.”

Joy is not about being non-stop happy. It is a deep awareness and confidence in the goodness of God come what may. He is always providing for us and guiding us. His promises are always true. He provides forgiveness and love in Christ. And he gives us meaningful things to say and do as the hands and feet of Christ in the world. 

‘Lord, even though life can be really hard, I trust you; I know you can bring good out of bad. Use me for your glory through each chapter of my life. Thank you for giving me the strength and hope that can only come from the Creator of heaven and earth. Amen.

Hardship can bring us to our knees and steel our resolve. Tears can clean our eyes and clarify our vision.

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

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Notes:

–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and resumes November 18, 2024.

–Coming this Sunday, November 17, 2024 on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’: “How do demons gain access to people?—a talk with Steve Dabbs,” the author of “When Demons Surface: True Stories about Spiritual Warfare and What the Bible Says about Confronting the Darkness.”

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.