A Divine Directive for Times of Distress
“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4 (KJV)
Although we are children of God and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are not exempt from trials, tests, and temptations. Listen to what the Scriptures say:
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (KJV, emphasis added)
“Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” 1 Peter 4:16 (KJV, emphasis added)
The Apostle Paul, the author of the book of Philippians, was an excellent example of one who enjoyed internal joy when he was pressed and pummeled by external circumstances such as persecution, prison, and the peril of death.
We are the beautiful Body of Christ and bought by the blood of the Lamb. However, I can also assure you that there will be occasions when we find ourselves parked in pressure, both internal and external pain and perplexity.
As a matter of fact, there will be numerous circumstances and situations where you will not immediately want to get your praise on! If you live long enough you do not have to look for trouble because trouble will find you! And when it does, what do you do? Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
This is our Divine directive. It’s a divine or spiritual directive because it calls us to act in the supernatural as opposed to the natural. By inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul called us to take joy or be glad when it is not going so good. This exhortation is so essential in times of misfortune, misery, and mayhem that he mentions it twice in our opening text.
We also must arrive at a place in our adversity where we are always rejoicing! Always? You may retort that we travel in a world of trouble thoroughly entrenched in evil and surging in sin, sickness, and suffering. But I submit to you that Paul is exhorting us to not take joy in a set of circumstances but to take joy in Jesus Christ the Savior.
It is human to hurt when you are hurting. But the Holy one will make you happy when you are hurting.
Join me next time as we explore examples as well as how to engage in rejoicing in the Lord always.
For the Glory of God,
PBKSR