The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my mind and heart in Philippians 3:1,
"Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord!"
The third chapter of Paul's letter to the church in Philippi begins with an encouragement to his readers to "rejoice in the Lord." He does so again in chapter 4, verse 4, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4. Paul clearly feels that not only is rejoicing in the Lord appropriate, but there is ample cause to do so. The natural expression of the believer to all the Lord has provided should result in a joyful heart for the Lord.
Paul is not remiss in recalling for his readers cause for genuine rejoicing throughout his letter. He speaks of God faithfully continuing his good work in believer's lives, 1:6; all believers share in God's grace, 1:7; believers are "filled with the fruit of righteousness", 1:11; believers are united with Christ, comforted by his love and participate in the common sharing of the Holy Spirit, 2:1. Additionally, believers receive tenderness and compassion in their union with Christ, 2:2. God is at work in the believer's life, 2:13, and all share in a right standing with God: a righteousness from God that comes through faith, 3:9. Like Paul, all believers will attain to the resurrection of the dead, 3:11. Believers have a citizenship in heaven and await their Savior from there, 3:20. Those who have embraced the Lord in faith will have their bodies transformed from what they are currently so they will be like his glorious body, 3:21. Through prayer, the peace of God is available to believers and he will guard the hearts and minds of believers who pray, 4:7. Additionally, the Lord provides strength, as he did Paul, 4:13.
When it comes to joy and rejoicing in the Lord, it should not be something that has to be "ginned up", as just another item on the list of things to do. Rejoicing should be the inevitable outcome of reflection on all we believers enjoy and share together in that the Lord provides us. No one has greater cause for a lifestyle of joy and rejoicing than believers in Jesus Christ!
Are you rejoicing in the Lord today? If not, find some time today to reflect on the many wonderful things he provides us believers - and you will find yourself filled with joy in short order - guaranteed!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
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