Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”
To “Rejoice”, in this context, is to be joyful even when there doesn’t seem to be anything around us or in our lives to be joyful about. Paul was in prison, but by his faith he was able to “Rejoice”, even in his very hard condition. It appears that some folks are always looking for something to be sad our angry about, and some will even manufacture something to moan about if they can’t find a valid reason to be sad or angry. But Paul exhorts us to take our attention off those things that would make us sad or angry and “Rejoice in the Lord”. We can do this when we are “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2). We can “Rejoice”; for, while we live, our “Lord” has promised that “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.” (Isaiah 41:17). When troubles come upon us, we can “Rejoice”; for, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;” (II Corinthians 4:8-9). We can “Rejoice” for this present world and our lives upon it are temporary, one day we will lay our heads down and our lives here will be forever finished; all our toils, trials, and tribulations will be left behind to never again plague us. Peter consoles and exhorts us to “think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (II Peter 4:12-13). We have every reason to “Rejoice”, for our “Lord” is Eternal and He has preceded us in death and in the Resurrection and has prepared us a place in His Father’s House (John 14:1).