What should we do when we find ourselves in hard times, tough situations, and other various struggles in life?
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).
This reminder to rejoice in God at ALL TIMES is extremely powerful when you consider the sufferings of its author, the Apostle Paul. If anyone understood suffering, it was Paul. He had been imprisoned, five times he received 39 lashes from Jews, was beaten with rods three times, stoned once, lived through three shipwrecks, was lost at sea for a day, in constant danger on journeys, suffered hunger and thirst, and much more (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).
He experienced all those sufferings, yet his words to believers were, “rejoice in the Lord always.” For him to make such a statement, Paul knew something that other believers needed to know – how to have joy in the midst of suffering.
Not only should we listen to Paul because of his sufferings for Christ, we should also heed his words because of the promises of God that he relays to us. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the PEACE OF GOD which surpasses all understanding, WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS and YOUR MINDS in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
What a promise!
We can have THE peace of God GUARD OUR HEARTS and MINDS. What better source of protection and comfort could we ask for? And such a promise given simply for coming to God in prayer and making your requests known to Him?
He trades our anxiety for His peace!
This is just one reason why we should rejoice in the Lord AT ALL TIMES and IN ALL THINGS. Moreover, the Scriptures are filled with similar promises of God.
Here are just a few:
• He promises never to leave or forsake you
• He promises to give you rest
• He promises to fight for you
• He promises to deliver you
• He promises to raise you up
• He promises to be your God
No matter our present circumstances or sufferings, we can rejoice in the Lord because His promises are “yes” and “amen”.
IN HIM, we can find joy amidst our sufferings.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).
May God richly bless you in His Son,
Dr. Aaron George Glover