Philippians 4:4... REJOICE!

Scripture:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! -Philippians 4:4

Observation:
Rejoice in the Lord...always.




Application:
I am so glad this verse does not simply read, "rejoice always," but contains the words "in the Lord."  I was thinking about that this morning, how hard it is to rejoice in some circumstances, like when a child is diagnosed with cancer.  As I prayed for a friend who is facing that very thing I wonder; how do we rejoice? 

One of the many spots I stood this summer...Olympia Washington.

This is not Paul's first mention of rejoicing in Philippians.  It also appears in 3:1.  Throughout Philippians Paul has given us many reasons to rejoice in the Lord.  We can rejoice no matter what is going on in our lives because:
He who began a good work in us will perfect it (1:6)
We are partakers of grace with Paul (1:7)
We have been filled with the fruit of righteousness (1:11)
Of the surpassing value of knowing Christ...nothing else really matters (3:7-9)
In Christ we have the power of the resurrection (3:10-11)
Our citizenship is in heaven (3:20)
Christ will transform us (3:21)
Everything is subject to Christ (3:21)
So rejoice in the Lord.

Despite all that surrounds us the Lord is near, He is Lord of creation and Lord of our lives.  We can rejoice because no matter what life throws at us we are still more than conquerors, our hope remains secure.  He has promised to never leave us or forsake us, He is the Light of the world and no darkness can overcome that Light.  This is one of those times it is okay to cry with my friend, but we must remember to rejoice in the Lord and the power of His name.

Grace, Peace, and Mercy dear sister-friends,
Deb