Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
Paul mentioned joy or rejoicing at least twelve times throughout the book of Philippians. I’ve heard it called the book of joy plenty of times, then I remember he wrote this letter from prison.
How did Paul rejoice in prison? We know it wasn’t easy, yet he said rejoice always. There are no exceptions. Paul left no room for not rejoicing.
The three words in between rejoice and always tell us how this is possible. Rejoice in the Lord always.
Jesus is the source of our joy. Since Jesus never leaves us or forsakes us, we always have joy. No matter our circumstances. When we’re walking through sorrow or pain or grief, we still possess a measure of joy because of Jesus and we can rejoice.
This joy is deeply rooted. It’s true and steady and unshaken by trials.
It’s the kind of joy a prisoner had and wanted to share with the world.
Marie, thank you. I am speaking on joy in a couple weeks. This is great motivation #ironsharpensiron
Thank you Julie. Many blessings to you as you share about joy!
I’ve been singing that chorus all morning thanks to you Marie! Seriously, thanks!
I know! I had a different title for my post, then that song popped in my head as I finished. I changed the title at the last minute.
I have the joy, joy, joy, joy,
Down in my heart, (where?)
Down in my heart, (where?)
Down in my heart,
I have the joy, joy, joy, joy,
Down in my heart, (where?)
Down in my heart to stay.
I was humming it when I went to bed last night and I’m still humming this morning.