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

When one word is used repeatedly in a statement, it is evident that it is a serious matter that ought to be considered. Something is here in this verse that we all know.

Apostle Paul was in prison in Rome when he was writing this letter to the Philippians. It is very fascinating to hear a man in a dungeon exhort believers. How can a man in prison be an encouragement to the people of Philippi? What can he even say about rejoicing? Is prison a place to rejoice? Of course, no. What manner of faith that Paul had that he still had hope that made him rejoice even in his chains? We seem to be in a prison with this global pandemic affecting us. It is not the usual time. Our freedom, like Paul’s, is contained. Life is not interesting so we could say but we must keep joy abound.

Rejoicing is not circumstantial. I mean, whether in bad or even in best, Paul would say Christ must be preached. Palpably, he gets joy in knowing there is hope even in death. Resurrection. We do not have an array of options for friends. It is either rejoicing In the Lord or again rejoicing in the Lord. Joy in hope) and patience in tribulation (Romans 12:12) and remember hope expects and does not disappoint. We should expect because God’s promise is true, of never leaving us or forsaking us. We can trust His Word. It is ever-reliable even today when circumstances dictate otherwise, we still can hold on to the infallible Word of God.

Finally, Paul gives us a strategy to keep us rejoicing. He charges us not to worry about anything but in everything make our requests known to God and peace of Christ will surely be our portion. It is so even now. Choose to see your situation in this light and fill your minds with truths. It is said that our actions are affected by our emotions but a child of God, we are in charge of our emotions and can change them by God’s grace. Hopelessness for hope, despair for joy…Can we do this? Yes, we can.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Philippians 4:8)