Posted by Stacy Siedlecki on February 22nd, 2007 filed in
Teachings
Rejoice in the Lord…Always
Victor Paul Wierwille
2/13/07
It doesn’t matter about the circumstances and situations around you; it doesn’t matter whether you have a good job to go to everyday or not; you can be peaceful in the most chaotic of circumstances and your joy no one can take from you.
God never asks us to do something we cannot do, and He tells us to “Rejoice in the Lord always” in Philippians 4:4. How often? “Always.” Therefore, it must be available and must be up to us to accomplish.
Now, let’s look at an example of some hard times where a person would be tempted to give away joy and peace and also how to handle those hard times. Matthew 5:10aBlessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake:
Wait a minute. Read that again. “Blessed are they…which are persecuted…” To the senses man that does not make any sense. When someone is persecuted and hated we would tend to think they are cursed, not blessed. But the Word of God says:
Matthew 5:10-12
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Now there is an example of where to put you mind through some hard times! There is always something to be thankful for. When men make up lying rumors about you because you take a stand on the Word of God that Jesus is the Son of God and that God has raised him from the dead, rejoice and be exceeding glad! God says it is available and that it is His will that we do rejoice and be exceeding glad, but we have to be the ones to rejoice in our minds.Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.“Think” on these things. When we put the Word on in our minds, then we will have the peace of God and we will rejoice.Now, think about the people who speak evil against you falsely, and people who separate you from their company, and rail on you as if you are evil because you take a stand on God’s Word. It stinks. Sometimes it comes down to losing friends just because you believe in the Son of God. If we focus on that can we rejoice? No. Would you leap for joy of this evil? I think not. But, “think on these things,” remember? Whatsoever things are true, honest (honorable), just, pure, lovely, of good report, etc.
Luke 6:22-23
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.Think about this:What is true? “Blessed are ye.” What is honorable? “For in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.” God categorizing you with the prophets is an honorable.What is Just? “Your reward is great in heaven.” There is justice!You see how it works? If you know God’s Word, then you will realize the things that are true in any situation. “Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy!”You are in control of your mind and emotions:
No one can “make” you mad (only you)
No one can “make” you happy (only you)
And no one can “take” your joy!
Jesus Christ tells his disciples in John 16:22 that “your joy no man taketh from you.” Isn’t that wonderful? You get to decide what you think and feel. God has given that power to you.
Therefore, since you are in control of you, God beseeches us to “stand fast” in the Lord.
Pay attention to how God refers to you and what he exhorts you to do here in Philippians 4:1
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. You can stand fast in the Lord with great joy when we remember what He has called us to be and what He has done for us!You are the best,Victor
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