Rejoicing in the Lord—Always!

Today’s post is more of a Bible study than usual for this blog because the topic we’re considering in AD 2025 was addressed so well in AD 62 by the Apostle Paul. Meditating on his words and understanding more of the context in which he wrote them is one of the best ways I know to honor the incredible invitation the Bible offers to “rejoice in the Lord.”

Paul was a fascinating person. Many believe him to be one of the most intelligent people the world has ever known. Saul of Tarsus, as he was originally called, enjoyed the benefits of a great pedigree, an outstanding education, and dual Jewish and Roman citizenship. However, following an epic encounter with the risen Christ (Acts 9:1–19), his life was radically and permanently changed. This Pharisee Saul who had been zealously rooting out and persecuting followers of Jesus became Christ’s Apostle Paul, one of history’s most outspoken and persuasive proponents of the gospel.

Paul traveled extensively, proclaiming the Good News of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and organizing Christian communities everywhere he went. One of these, the congregation he gathered in Philippi, was particularly special to him. His letter to the Philippians, written while he was under house arrest in Rome, is filled with compassion and encouragement for them—and for us. In the heart of his letter, Paul wrote:

Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith.
—Philippians 3:1 (NLT)

Rejoicing in the Lord? A safeguard? That could seem like it’s asking a lot from the simple experience of joy—until you read the full passage. True joy is not that simple. There were people in Philippi who insisted that Gentile converts to Christianity were required to follow the strict letter of the Jewish law—including circumcision. They claimed that it was an integral part of worship. Paul writes:

Watch out for those … mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort,
—Philippians 3:2–3

You can rejoice in the Lord when you allow God to focus your heart and mind on Christ and Christ alone. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is all we need. Paul cautions his readers to beware of those who insist on visible proof of faith in God while ignoring true conversion – a changed heart. Beware of those who distract you from the Good News of Christ with far less important demands. Is anything distracting you from rejoicing in the Lord?

A little later, Paul writes:

Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
—Philippians 4:4–5 (NIV)

If you miss the irony of the conditions under which Paul wrote this, these words can seem unrealistic—sometimes even harsh today. “Rejoice? You don’t know my situation—you don’t know what I’m dealing with!” But Paul repeats: “Rejoice in the Lord always.” No matter your changing circumstances, and they will always be changing, your one and only constant is the unconditional love God revealed in Jesus Christ. God’s love never changes—whether you realize it or not, whether you acknowledge it or not, whether you embrace it or not. What is happening in your life or in the lives of those you love that is diluting the experience of God’s love?

And there’s more:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 4:6–7

In what we know as the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught all who would hear to

… seek first [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
—Matthew 6:33–34 (NIV)

I’ve heard it said, “Worry is knowing with absolute certainty what needs to happen next and being afraid God will get it wrong” (!) How can you avoid worry and anxiety? How can you accomplish the seemingly unthinkable—rejoicing in the Lord always? Paul gives clear instruction—pray. With confidence (petition) and thankfulness, allow God to lead you through any circumstance or situation. As you do this, you’ll also discover his indestructible, insurmountable, incontrovertible peace. There’s the safeguard for your heart, your mind, and your faith.

Interesting, isn’t it, how rejoicing in the Lord sounds a lot like… worship?

Worship provides the safeguard for your faith. Worship provides the opportunity to offer every part of yourself to the One who offers everything to you. An experience of honest, sincere worship, coming from a heart that is constantly being shaped and molded by God himself, undistracted by any number of lesser things—this is what you and I are invited to experience ourselves, and what we are called and equipped to create and curate for our people, week in and week out. Worship is what Erik Routley once called our “duty and delight”! And worship is the only way that you and I and the people we are called to serve will be able to navigate our context of uncertainty, challenge, and constant change.

Yes, on through life’s long path, still chanting as we go;
from youth to age, by night and day, in gladness and in woe.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, give thanks, and sing!
—Edward Plumpre, “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart,” 1866