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Joy of the Lord ~ Rend Collective
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ~ Philippians 4:4 NIV
Did you know that rejoicing produces more joy? It’s been my experience that when I focus on praising God, I experience more peace and joy. I’ve also seen the opposite: griping and complaining lead to more of the same, which produce doubt, worry, and fear.
Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” I’m going to teach you a little bit of Greek. Rejoice means to “rejoice” or “be glad.” Glad, according to the dictionary, is a feeling of joy. And “always” in Greek means, “at all times.” Now you know that we’re told, dare I say commanded, to rejoice—or have joy—at all times. At all times means in all seasons and circumstances because the Lord knows that rejoicing produces joy.
Maybe you’re wondering why it matters. Let me ask you: Are you a stronger, mightier warrior of the Lord when you are walking and dancing in joy or when you are bound up in chains of bitterness, doubt, worry, fear, and defeat? God knows that not all seasons will be happy. He knows we live in a fallen world and that we are human, surrounded by humans. God is not calling us to be happy all the time. He’s telling us to choose joy, by practicing rejoicing in Him and all that He’s done for us.
Take a moment and check your heart. Check your words. If your heart, words, and thoughts are not a fountain of overflowing joy, then start with a simple change that will create an environment that is rich with rejoicing in the Lord.
Take an inventory. What has the Lord done for you, or for those you know, today, yesterday, last week, last month, or last year? Celebrate it. Thank God for it! Let your praise be lifted up to the Lord. And remember, rejoicing produces joy.
©Heather Potts 2023
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