Throughout his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul reminds them to rejoice in the Lord. There are moments in this life in which you cannot help but wonder, How? Yet, you see; he does not say rejoice in the pain nor rejoice in the trials of life; rather, despite whatever circumstance you face today, you can rejoice in the Lord. In other words, because of Jesus Christ, we can rejoice in the love, comfort and grace of our dear Savior; even, if our whole world shatters around us. We do not rejoice the evil, the pain, nor the suffering in and of itself; rather, at our darkest moment, we look up and rejoice in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, knowing He surrounds us with His Grace and love.
I cannot tell you how many times in this life, I have; at the end of the day, fell on my knees and cried, “God, I can’t do this anymore. I am tired, the journey has been long. Teach me, Lord how to love you more and how to get up again. Then, in middle of the night; I awaken with a sense of peace and joy; as though, cradled there. Often, a sweet hymn playing through or a verse of scripture. With a thank you on my lips, I go back to sleep and in the morning, I get up again, read my Bible and feel strengthened. Circumstances did not change over the course of the night; the difference came because the Holy Spirit filled me with God’s comforting love and strength, so that I might continue this journey rejoicing in Christ, whatever the circumstances.
REJOICE IN CHRIST, NO MATTER WHAT
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. Philippians 3:1. As Paul wrote these words, remember that he was in prison. He did not know what his sentence would be. Indeed, it could be death. He knew that possibility remained real; yet, he tells this young church to rejoice in Christ, even if I am put to death. Even if you face persecution, remember your joy is in Christ Jesus, not this world. Cling to that! Hold fast to that truth, no matter what happens.
Jesus said,
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
NEVER TOO WEARY TO REMIND YOU
The remainder of Philippians 3:1-2 reads:
To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 2Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
Paul insisted that he wrote this over and over; because, resting in the power of Jesus Christ remained the only hope to keep them safe from all the false teachers, those within the churches who brought them back under the fear and chains of the law, and those that cut the gospel message into pieces.
Rest in the truth! Preach it to your heart when all the world seems to be falling apart around you. Cling to the Gospel of Grace. No matter what else happens, don’t forget this!
Perhaps, I too; must be reminded to never grow weary of writing, teaching and telling you that in Christ you have all that you ever needed. Others ask me why I put so much time, energy, and money into this ministry with no returns. Ah, but each time I think I will quit; someone writes me to say the message touched them. Society would say, If God took pleasure in this mission, He would have blessed with large numbers of followers and financial success. Rather, my prayer God use it to His Glory and if one person finds Christ, then, my labor has not been in vain.
AND WHEN YOU HAVE FALLEN, STILL REJOICE IN THE LORD
When you have fallen or the world crashes around you, remember this:
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endurefor a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Ps 30:5
It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth forever Ezra 3:11
FINAL THOUGHTS:
When you think you cannot stand or take the next step, ask Jesus to be your strength and your joy. He will restore you, guide you and comfort you. This I know; because, if He did for me with all my scars and flaws, I am certain He will for you as well.
If you don’t know how to accept Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link, email me by clicking here or comment here
CONCLUDING TWEETS
[tweetthis]When all is gone and your world shatters, Christ is your steadfast joy[/tweetthis]
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
I wrote and published Mountaintop Experiences in the Valley as a revised version in 2011 from the first writings I did in 2003. If you want to know more about the books I have written: You can find a link at: Book Resources.
featured Photo by Michael Dam on Unsplash Although the inscription I added
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.