January 26, 2023: Philippians 4:4-5 - Rejoice in the Lord Always!

January 26, 2023  /  Stephanie Klepacki

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.” - Philippians 4:4-5

Here we have the apostle Paul imprisoned for his faith, one of several times that he would be imprisoned, writing this epistle (letter) to the church at Philippi, and he tells them in verses 3:1 and again in 4:4 to rejoice in the Lord always. He is reminding them that though we will go through very difficult times in our life here on earth, because our citizenship is in heaven that when we die, we will be raised again to eternal glory with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and we can rejoice and give thanks to the Lord!

Below are some other verses in the Bible that remind us that we are to have joy in our lives in all circumstances:

  • 1 Peter 4:12-13: Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

  • Psalm 68:1-3: Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered; let those also who hate Him flee before Him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God; yes, let them rejoice exceedingly.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:7: Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

  • Romans 12:12: …rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer…

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

In Philippians chapter 1, Paul wrote that even though he was imprisoned, “my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” Because of Christ being preached boldly, he said, “I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.” (Philippians 1:12-18)

Paul goes on to tell his brothers and sisters in Christ in Philippians 2:12-18:

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, workout your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.”

As we live our own lives in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation, may we not let Satan steal our joy in the Lord. As we run this race of faith, let us be light bearers, shining the light of Jesus in a dark world, with joy in our hearts and reflecting Christ’s love in and through us. May we remember what we are running this race for:

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Romans 12:1-2) ✝️