Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice—Philippians 4:4 (ESV)

Rejoice

What does it mean to rejoice? Does it mean that we always have a smile on our faces? Does it mean we are constantly singing and dancing like nobody’s watching?

To truly rejoice means that we find joy and peace even in the darkest places of life. Because of faith, we rejoice in death. Because of the Lord, we rejoice in our sufferings.

Paul is a shining example of rejoicing in the midst of suffering and death. Paul is imprisoned while writing this letter to the Philippians. He’s suffering the horrors of a Roman prison. He’s not in comfort. And while we read in Acts of him singing, I doubt there is a song on his lips.

Yet Paul is able to rejoice because of suffering and death. He’s not some strange individual, but someone who has his firm hope in Christ and his salvation. In this new life, Paul encourages the Philippians to continue rejoicing. To always rejoice in the Lord and again he says it, “Rejoice.” He’s not some silly person who ignores the realities of life, but a person whose trust is firmly placed in Christ. Paul knows the reality of life eternal.  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice.