Can you honestly say “I’m rejoicing in the Lord, always; again, again & again? This means: over and over again, and again!!!! Sounds a bit redundant, and it is because God wanted us to know that rejoicing is not a one-time experience.
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice (ESV).
I know the benefits of “rejoicing in the Lord always, again and again…….” It doesn’t take me long to know when I’m not rejoicing, because I will worry, fret and become anxious. If I let anxious thoughts rule my mind it will create a sick heart. The mind is powerful and can create thoughts that will rule and rob us of rejoicing in the Lord. Satan can put thoughts in our minds if we permit him to; trust me, these negative thoughts will take root in our lives. I believe that Satan doesn’t know what is in our minds/hearts: ONLY God knows what is in our hearts. But don’t be fooled because Satan knows the circumstances around our lives; he knows what will cause us to worry; he knows the circumstances in our lives; he knows that we believe in God; he knows our fellowship with other believers and some……..
Many years ago I was in a very disturbing circumstance and I kept rehearing things in my mind. It was all I talked about. You see at that time in my life “life was about me;” not for the good of others. I thank God for the godly woman that He put in my life. This godly friend’s words to me “you are not tired enough yet to surrender your life to the Lord”…..ouch! Those words cut, bruised, hurt, but were so true. I was a believer but not trusting in God’s sovereignty. This godly woman is now with the Lord. I love this woman who loved me enough to be honest. This woman taught me what it is to Rejoice in the Lord always, again, again and again…..
What’s the cure? God’s Word! And godly counsel! Are you willing to surrender all to Jesus? I am, and every morning when I wake up I make a choice – trust Him in all areas of my life: He is trustworthy.
I want to encourage you to read and meditate on the book of Philippians to learn about Paul’s life and how he rejoiced in the Lord through his horrendous trials. Paul learned to be content. Paul knew the benefits of dying to self. Philippians 1:21 – For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 2:4 – let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others (ESV).
After reading and meditating on these powerful four chapters in Philippians go to the Psalms and begin praying as David prayed. As we focus on God’s Word and apply it to our lives we will know the benefits of His love, mercy, grace, patience, kindness, goodness, longsuffering in our lives. We can have a heart of contentment; a heart that is FREE from expectation. God is Sovereign! The joy robbers in Philippians: Chapter 1 – Worry; Chapter 2 – Circumstances; Chapter 3- Wrong belief; Chapter 4 – Disputes between believers/indifference.
In closing I want to end with a verse that I tell my 8 grandkids, ages 10 through 24: “The Golden Rule” Matthew 7:12 – Treat others how you want to be treated (my emphasis).
Ladies, let us love one another and encourage one another as we walk through this journey of life on earth. And let us sing songs and hymns in our hearts so we will pass on the joy of the Lord.
Victory Call 