Always Rejoice

Paul has challenged the Philippians to be thankful, to be bold, and to obey God. Now, Paul exhorts the Philippians to rejoice.

Our joy is based in God and His never-changing character.
Paul was able to face whatever circumstances he encountered because his joy was based in and upon God. Also, he knew God well enough to know that God was working all things together for Paul’s good and God’s glory (see Romans 8).
Whatever our joy is based upon, when that object changes or is taken away, our joy goes with it. However, if our joy is based upon the unchangeable God of the universe, the One Who has promised to never leave us or forsake us, then our joy becomes unchangeable as well.

Our joy is not based upon our circumstances.
As Paul considered his circumstances, and as the Philippians considered their circumstances, there was much for them to be discouraged about. Paul was in prison and didn’t know how much longer he would be alive. The Philippians themselves faced at least pressure if not persecution for their faith. However, Paul encourages them to always rejoice because their circumstances do not dictate their joy. They know the love and grace of God. They can rejoice in that continually.

The story of Peter sinking in the waves when he took his eyes off of Jesus comes to my mind as I consider Paul’s exhortation to rejoice always. When we look at the waves - the circumstances - around us, it is so easy to give up hope and to despair. But when we look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, we can confidently and joyfully finish running this race, even if it means barely limping over the finish line.

The Christian life should be marked by various characteristics. Paul emphasizes four of these to the believers in Philippi: always be thankful, always be bold, always obey, and always rejoice. May we be faithful in following Paul’s example. May we be faithful in magnifying God through our lives.

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