Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)
10/10 Reading Portions: 1 Kings 13; Philippians 4; Ezekiel 43; Psalms 95-96
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
REJOICE
It had come to the apostle’s attention that two sisters in Christ, Euodia and Syntyche, had a disagreement. Over what, we do not know. Nevertheless, the blessed apostle knew the remedy so they might “agree in the Lord” (Phil 4:2). Paul prescribed two doses of Rejoicing in the Lord. Joy in the Lord is the cure for all our cares. We may have a difficult time rejoicing in our circumstance; yet we can always rejoice in the Lord. His perfect life, His precious death, His powerful resurrection, His triumphant ascension, and His promise to return can never impart sadness to the soul saved by God’s grace. Yes, exposed sin will prompt godly sorrow leading to repentance unto salvation (2 Cor 7:10); but once repentance has graced the threshold of our hearts, salvation of the Lord and in the Lord is an unspeakable joy. This joy need not herald itself. It is like a light switch flipped on. The dark room brightens by the electricity coursing through the wires and reaching its load at the bulb. Likewise, this joy unspeakable shines forth from our eyes and lightens our countenance with the glow of the Spirit. Rejoicing in the Lord is a grace of God, commanded to His people. Our flesh cannot work up this internal celebration. It arrives the instant the eyes of our faith have gazed truly upon our redeeming Savior. Rejoice in the Lord always! He came while we were yet sinners. He laid down His life willingly for His sheep. Jesus paid a debt He did not owe for a debt we owe and cannot possibly pay. He died a lonely, God-forsaken death so that we who were dead in sins and trespasses may have life in His name. Again I will say, rejoice! Whenever life gets you down or whenever circumstances weigh you down with cares, look to the Lord and rejoice in Him. Always! Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Rejoice in the great Lord always;
Again, I say, rejoice;
Embrace Christ’s joy, be fill’d with faith
Praise Him with grateful voice.
