Rejoice in the Lord Always
Philippians 4:4-7
Memory Verse: Philippians 4:6 - “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
Song: Mary and Joseph by Chris Renezma
“Joy is the attitude God’s people adopt not because of happy circumstances but because of their hope in God’s love and promise”
- Tim Mackie
Rejoicing is sometimes easier said than done… Celebrating or having joy is easier when things are easy or something has turned out the way you planned. Are we quick to rejoice when life brings us the exact opposite? When your plan is wasted, or a decision doesn’t go in your favor? How can we rejoice when the world is living in hunger, depravity, brokenness, illness, abuse, and so on?
What if I told you that depths of struggle, anxiety, or trouble could lead to great joy? Paul is quick to share this with the church in Philippi. He reminds the church that we ALWAYS have reason to rejoice because the Lord is at hand; God is working in our midst! Since this is true, our anxieties can subside and decrease because we have a God who hears our trouble and also hears our prayers. So, even while suffering, joy can also exist. The Bible often instructs us to have joy in suffering and hope in sorrow.
Even Mary, whose circumstances changed dramatically when she learned she was carrying baby Jesus, turns to rejoice.
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed…” Luke 1:46–17
Mary is rooted in the promise given to her of the glory to come. Jesus will be great and the Son of the Most High who will reign forever (Luke 1:32-33). Jesus, Emmanuel is coming! There is great anticipation for Him to come to earth, and this hope is the same hope we cling to this Advent season. Just as Paul encourages the Philippian church, God continues to be the source of our joy. As you read and process through this advent season, get real with God about your heart. This time of year may be a hard one for you; remain steadfast in the truth that the Lord is at hand.
What do you need to surrender to the Lord in this season?
What’s REALLY happening in your heart this Advent season? Are you experiencing joy? Are you experiencing sorrow? Be honest with God about the things you are processing.
