Can I Rejoice?

Philippians 4-Part 1
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.   Philippians 4:4 (KJV)
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice.  (NLT)

LET IT GLOW
In verse 1, Paul states, "Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved."

Is this the sixth time I have read the word joy in this book? Was Paul a joyful man, or what?
The word for joy in the Greek is the word chara. It means rejoicing, gladness, enjoyment, bliss. In many ways, chara means to celebrate. (from The Compleete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament)

Let's review what Beth Moore had to say about the second fruit of the Spirit, joy,  in her study book Living Beyond Yourself:

• Joy is the result of realizing that our names are written in heaven.
• Joy is the result of discovering the person, power, and plan of God in our multitude of circumstances.  
• Joy is the result of restoration.
• Joy is the result of "remaining" in Christ.
• Joy is the result of relating God's way to God's people.

Paul called the Philippians his dearly beloved, his longed for brethren, his joy and crown.

Paul valued them more and reckoned a greater honor and ornament to him, than the richest diadem, set with the most costly jewels and precious stones, and which he hoped and believed would be his crown of rejoicing another day; when with them, should stand at the hand of Christ triumphing, as victors crowned. (John Gill)

Paul, in chapter 4, was exhorting, encouraging the Philippians. It grew out of their friendship. How did he do this? First, he urged  them to stand fast.
Stand fast means to stand firm, to persist, persevere in godliness, in one's fellowship with the Lord.
(Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament)

Next, Paul urged the Philippians to have unity. He addresses the problem of disunity. It erupted as a dispute between two women, Euodia and Syntych. (verses 2-3) It was more than a passing disagreement. It had a potential of splitting the church. Paul had faith that everyone would correct the problem.

Last, Paul urged the Philippians to joy and peace in verses 4-9. It's the peace of God that sustains Christians during times of hardship. Their joy was to be unchanging and in the Lord.

As Paul encouraged these believers to stand fast in Christ, he urged them to abide by Him, His truths, ordinances, cause, and interest. (John Gill)

So I should stand fast or firm in my faith and in the Word, have unity with others, and enjoy the peace with God as I surrender to Him.


LET IT GROW

"Rejoice in the Lord, always; and again I say rejoice." We sing it as a "round" at church. Since we have two sections of pews, one side begins the song, and the other side comes in later repeating the words. It sticks in my mind, a catchy tune with catchy words. I'll probably be singing or humming it all day today. Not such a bad thing. A good thing to do-rejoice in the Lord, always.
Wait, how may forms of "rejoice" did I read already? Seven, if I counted correctly.

Rejoice means "be glad," says Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament.
Remember Paul was under house arrest in Rome when he wrote the letter to the Philippian church. Written earlier in the two-year period was Ephesians and Colossians.

"Paul's joy wasn't based in a sunny optimism or positive mental attitude as much as it was the confidence that God was in control. It really was a joy in the Lord," stated David Guzik.

Liberty Bible Commentary explains verse 4 this way:

Paul kept on rejoicing whether he were in prison or in the palace; in prosperity or in adversity; in health or in sickness. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit and is the result of peace with God (Rom.5:1-2). Joy drives out discord and is contagious. Christians rejoice because they are in living union with Christ.

"The Philippians' joy was to be in the Lord, and it was to be unchanging. Paul's own circumstances reminded him of the joy available in the Lord, and he wished that joy for them as well. Paul knows that no situation is beyond the Lord's help. Christians can rejoice in that, if nothing else," Shepherd's Notes reminds us.

Rejoice in the Lord always. How often? At all times, again and again. When? In all conditions rejoice; when I suffer for Him or when I'm afflicted.

I can rejoice that God is in control. I must admit that this requires so work. Can I rejoice at all times, in all conditions? Oh my. (Easy to read, hard to apply.)


LET IT GO

Let the Lord change my attitudes. Rejoice more.

Have more joyful words.

Sing praises to the Lord.

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.