Rejoice in the Lord

Rejoice In The Lord

Philippians 3:1

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.

Paul says "finally," like he thinks that he is finishing up the letter with a last point. But in reality, the letter is only half finished. After writing on for a while, he will say, "Finally," again. I think this characteristic of preachers is a common one.

Paul is repeating his admonition in this verse for a reason. He is repeating his exhortation to us to remember to rejoice because we so often forget to rejoice. He has talked about joy and rejoicing eight times in the first half of this book. He commanded them in verse 2:18 to rejoice and to share their joy with him. He encourages them again because they, and we, need to hear it more than once because we don't seem to get it the first time: Rejoice in the Lord, not in your circumstances.
“Ah yes, Steve, That's easy to say but hard to do. What do I have to rejoice about? I'm broke, my kids are sick, my neighbor hates me, my boss is mean, and my car won't start!" Ok, OK, OK. I know the world stinks and things are never what we think it should be. But if you're looking for reasons to rejoice on this earth, you're going to be really disappointed a lot. But Paul says to rejoice in the Lord, not in your life. When we rejoice in the Lord, we will find a lot to rejoice about. The New Testament lists many reasons to rejoice in the Lord for many things. Remember that old church hymn, “Count Your Blessings?” Verse 3 goes like this:

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings money can not buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So rejoice already! Count some of the things you have to be rejoicing over.

Acts 13:48 – do you rejoice that you have received salvation?

Acts 8:39 – did you rejoice when you followed the Lord's example in water baptism?

Romans 12:12 – do you rejoice that you have a blessed hope?

Matthew 5:12 – do you rejoice that you have a reward waiting in heaven?

If you have a problem with rejoicing, like I do, we need to pray one of David's prayers. Psalms 51:12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
I pray that I may be able to look at the high price of gas and rejoice in the Lord that He has given me so much for free.

I pray that when a pet runs away, I know that I have been found by Christ, being the sheep that the shepherd left the flock to find.

I pray that when I am overlooked by bosses, friends, or whoever and feel forgotten, I know that God knows my name.

I pray that if I can't pay my bills and debt collectors are queuing up on my phone, that I know I have treasures and a mansion waiting in heaven.

I pray that when I am ill and lose all hope of getting better, I know that Jesus will greet me with open arms in heaven and I will never suffer again.

So I say again, rejoice in the Lord!

Its all in how you approach life. Is this world the most important thing or is your relationship with Christ? Are circumstances going to dictate your attitude and control your emotions and feelings, or will you choose to rejoice in what the Lord has done for you.

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.

Stephen Cram April 10, 2011 Colossians 2:8

Count Your Blessings, by Johnson Oatman, Jr. 1897

Copyright: Public Domain

When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings―wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.