Read: Philippians 4:4 NIV
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4 NIV)
Apostle Paul's manner of telling us to rejoice shows how important it is to know the joy that we can find in Jesus Christ. More than encouraging us, Paul is commanding us to always rejoice in the Lord. Not just sometimes, but always.
Supporting Verses:
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 ESV)
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."(Galatian 5:22-23 ESV)
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed" (1 Peter 4:12–13 ESV)
GIVE THANKS
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)
"For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world," (Philippians 2:13–15 ESV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)
"But he answered, 'It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'’” (Matthew 4:4 ESV)
"These things I command you, so that you will love one another." (John 15:17 ESV)
"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," (Matthew 5:44 ESV)
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21 ESV)
"Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing." (1 Peter 3:8–9 ESV)
Conclusion:
God has assured us that He will not let us be attacked with trials or temptations that are too overwhelming for us to handle. He will grant us grace to be overcomers. Christian joy is the greatest pleasure and happiness that we feel - whether or not the sun is shining, whether or not our team is winning, whether or not we are healthy or hurting - because our redeemer lives, because we belong to Him, and because he is making all things new. Paul's letter to the Philippians calls us to always rejoice in the Lord by reframing our present challenges in light of the awesome day of Christ. He calls us to rejoice in God’s people as well - to take our eyes off of ourselves and pray for them and pursue other people’s maturity and fullness of joy in Christ.
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