Rejoice in the Lord Always

Perhaps, one of the greatest strengths amidst struggles and trying times comes with an established ability to rejoice in the Lord always.

“Always?” you might ask. “That’s impossible!”

God never asks us to do anything He has not given us the ability to complete. So, when we read such a seemingly impossible directive, we wonder how anyone could possibly rejoice always. Happiness often depends on the “what” of our circumstances — the things that are going on around us. Joy, however, is different. It rests in the “Who” of God’s ever-abiding presence.

Before you stop scrolling and switch to something more palatable, I understand, at least in small portion, what trial may look like. I know how a cancer diagnosis of a loved family member feels or how major unexpected changes throw one’s life into a whirl. Recently, my husband and I have faced simultaneous difficult situations. With only a few days left to round out the year, we are both preparing for surgeries. It would be all to easy to crumble beneath the weight of the pressure. Yet, through this storm, God is teaching us to rejoice — not in what we are facing but in Who is walking us through the whirlwind of adversity.

“Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near!”
Philippians 4:4-5 AMP

The Lord is Near

During my childhood, I found comfort and strength whenever I was with my father. By remaining in his tall shadow, I felt completely safe, even when I recognized danger drawing close. Our relationship with God bears similar resemblance.

These four little words, “The Lord is near,” reminds us that no matter what we are going through, our Heavenly Father overshadows it all. Some Bible versions say, “the Lord is coming soon.” Either way, we are reminded that God is not distant from our suffering or pain.

In the awareness of His nearness, rejoicing no longer becomes a mask we wear in public, but a condition of the heart as we rest and trust in His goodness and love. As we position ourselves in His mighty shadow people clearly see His hand working in our lives, enabling us to maintain a “gentle spirit” — gracious, unselfish, merciful, tolerant and patient.

No earthly father compares to the perfect protection generously given by our Heavenly Father. He forever stands with us and for us, defending and encouraging us along any difficult path ahead. He invites us to …

” … not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.”
Philippians 4:6 AMP

The Battle for the Mind

When struggles strike, the greatest battles are won and lost between our ears in the way we think. So, it is no coincidence that Scripture gives us specific instruction on how to maintain right thought patterns.

“Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].”
Philippians 4:8 

Every one of these phrases is worthy of our full consideration, able to bring soundness of mind. But oh, how difficult to put them into action! The more we intentionally exercise our minds in right thinking, the more battles we will win. How we think determines how we act and react to every situation. Our minds our powerful tools, working for us.

I have recently discovered that the more I pray for the needs of others when my mind is under attack, the more successful I become at overcoming negative thinking.

We have all had our fair share of mind battles, having to continually center and recenter our minds and hearts on truth, purity, peace and a whole lot of other godly characteristics. Biblical thinking, rather than positive thinking, equips us to overcome.Those biblical thought patterns make it much easier to rejoice in the Lord always. Oh, that we would always remember that every battle is the Lord’s. He equips us for victory!

A Promise

This little passage of Scripture ends with words of promise.

” … the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.”
Philippians 4:9

No matter what it looks like now or how the enemy taunts, God is with us. He will be with us. He is not about to abandon us in the storm. His commitment to us reaches beyond measure. He is the source of everything we need — now and always. Abiding peace and well-being come from and rest in Him. This truth lifts spirits and ignites hope. We are not alone, no matter how dark the times may appear.

Even as I write these words, I feel a rising within me. It’s not over! God speaks the final word over each of our lives. He is sovereign in all things at all times.

The Lord is near! Because He will always be near, we rejoice in the Lord always. Our loving Father stands over us with arms open wide, welcoming us to rest in the shadow of His Presence.

Prayer

Father, in the mighty Name of Jesus, I pray for each one who feels the intensity of battle over their hearts, minds, families, finances, or any other area where the enemy seeks to bring discouragement or defeat. May they sense the tangible nearness of Your Presence, the strength of Your love, and the power of blood of Jesus wrapping them in protection. May they rejoice before You, setting a holy fire upon this powerful weapon of joy, disarming the enemy’s assignment against them and their loved ones.
God have mercy. Come quickly to meet us!
We take captive every thought and bring it into obedience to Jesus Christ and Your Word, exposing the lies of the enemy. With Your truth we are set free — emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Whom You have set free is truly free. Oh Father, with grateful hearts we turn our gaze toward You. We choose, even now, to worship You before the victory comes, before the bondage breaks, and before the day rises with fresh hope.
Lord Jesus, in everything may You be exalted and glorified. Everything the enemy means for evil, Lord, use for the good of many.
We bless You! We rejoice in Your love! Your intentions toward us are always for good. Your grace and mercy are unending.

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