Always rejoicing

Always rejoicing

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)

Isolation is tough. Some days are better than others, but we struggle with being confined. We are not used to being without friends and family and the freedom to interact in the world we live in. God did not make us to be alone or isolated.

I don’t think there is a book in the New Testament which is so full of joy as Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Every chapter of this precious book speaks of rejoicing in the Lord in some way. But it was written from prison. Some twenty years before, Paul and Silas had sat beaten, bleeding and bound in the stocks of the innermost cell of the jail in Philippi. And, at the darkest hour of the night, their voices had soared up in prayer and praises to God.

That experience of prayer and praise still filled the heart of the apostle as he wrote to his dear friends, ones who cared for him more than any other of the saints amongst whom Paul had ministered the grace of God. But how could he maintain such a joyous spirit and love for others? He tells us how in each chapter of his letter:

“For to me, to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21).

Paul had the life of Christ. He had learned day by day that both freedom and imprisonment were circumstances God used to express his life in Christ. He writes in chapter 1 that his chains in Christ were a witness to the whole palace guard. Paul’s imprisonment became the means of demonstrating that the Son of God had made him free. He wasn’t simply alive; he was fully experiencing “life more abundant”.

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).

Paul had the mind of Christ. He responded daily to the Lord Jesus’ invitation: “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

“That I may know Him” (Philippians 3:10).

Paul had the knowledge of Christ. For the apostle, the experiences of each day were fresh opportunities to deepen his knowledge of Christ. It wasn’t intellectual knowledge; it was imparted by the operation of the Holy Spirit in his heart to keep him abiding and growing in Christ.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

Paul drew on the strength of Christ. There was a time when we were without strength (Romans 5:6). But in love Christ died and rose again for us. Now, like Paul, we can draw, every day and in every circumstance, from the strength of our risen Saviour and Lord, and respond to Him in worship and service.

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Philippians 4:19-20).