Rejoice in the Lord

Bible Reading: Philippians 4:4

To rejoice is to feel or show great joy or delight. It is an inward feeling that manifest through an outward, visible and physical action. It is a continuous expression of joy through thanksgiving, singing spiritual songs, dancing (Colossians 3:16). People rejoice when something good happens such as promotion, safe child birth, and admission etc. It seems to rejoice is an action to perform after a fact but the Bible admonishes us to rejoice in the Lord always. Why would Apostle Paul give such a command? Well we have to understand that every grace we have access to in Christ has been paid for by our Lord Jesus Christ through his death and resurrection on the cross. We are called to access it by faith (Romans 5:1-2). Here’s how Apostle Peter puts it: “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:3-4 KJV.

Joy is important to our spiritual and physical well-being. Prophet Isaiah knew this truth when he says “with joy shall you draw water out from the wells of salvation” (Isaiah 12:3). So if you are sick, rejoice in the Lord because you know that by His stripes you were made whole (1 Peter 2:24); if you are in need, rejoice because the Lord shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19), if you need help, rejoice because your help cometh from the Lord (Psalm 121); if you are afraid, again rejoice because you have not been given the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7) and if you are in captivity, again rejoice for He set the captives free and led captivity captive (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:17-21; Ephesians 4:8). Whether things are going as planned or not, rejoice in the God of your salvation because all things are working together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose (Habakkuk 3:17-19; Romans 8:28). By rejoicing in the Lord at all times, you are accessing His promises based on the finished work on the cross of Calvary.

Dear friends, rejoicing in the Lord is based on our knowledge of who Christ is and His finished work on the cross for the redeemed. So let the word of God therefore dwell in you richly (Colossians 3:16) because faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Take the time to study God’s word to know His mind concerning whatever situation you may be passing through and believe God’s word. Finally, you can only rejoice in the Lord if you know the Lord Jesus Christ. If you haven’t given your life to Jesus Christ, today is the day of your salvation.

Action point: Take quality time to thank the Lord today.

Intercessory prayer: Prophecy into the new month of July for your family, friends, church, city etc

Hymn: All hail King Jesus

All hail Emmanuel

King of Kings

Lord of Lords

Bright Morning Star

And throughout eternity

I’ll sing Your praises

And I’ll reign with You throughout eternity.