12 January Philippians 4

Celebrate God all day, every day

Philippians 4:4(MSG) Celebrate God all day, every day. And (AMP) Rejoice in the Lord always ; again I will say, rejoice!

The phrase rejoice in the Lord always means finding joy, delight, and pleasure in a relationship with God, regardless of the circumstances or situations one may face. It emphasises the importance of maintaining a joyful attitude and outlook, grounded in the Lord, even in difficult times. To rejoice in the Lord every day, means to celebrate God. We must celebrate God all day, every day.

The theme of finding joy in the Lord and maintaining a joyful attitude in all circumstances is highlighted in several places throughout the Bible.

James 1:2-3(NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

1 Thessalonians 5:16(NIV) Rejoice always,

Romans 12:12(NIV) Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

This verse encourages us to maintain joyfulness in hope, patience in affliction, and faithfulness in prayer, highlighting the importance of a joyful and faithful attitude in all situations.

Habakkuk 3:17-18(NIV) Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

We must find joy in God despite adverse circumstances. It demonstrates a steadfast commitment to rejoice in the Lord, even when earthly provisions and blessings lack.

Joy has the power to heal, strengthen, bring hope, and provide inner peace.

Proverbs 17:22(NIV) A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Nehemiah 8:10b(NIV) "…. for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Romans 15:13(NIV) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I conclude with: “Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day." -Henri Nouwen