Rejoice in the Lord

 Dearly beloved, I hope this finds you well and bubbling in the Lord. This past few weeks in my country Nigeria has elicited a lot of different emotions from people within the country and abroad. These emotions range from hope, inspiration, resilience, change is coming to anger, grief, and sadness. The daily encouragement for one of the days last week was to be from Philippians 3:1 which says “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord...”. I thought, how can I write that with all that is going on. As I reflect more on this verse, I find it more relevant now than anytime. Finally, can be defined as - at the final point or moment; in the end, or used to introduce a final point or reason. Philippians 3:1 in the New Living Translation says “Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord.” The Amplified says “For the rest, my brethren, delight yourselves in the Lord and continue to rejoice that you are in Him.”

 

At this point, Paul had written several things to the Philippians and he was writing it from prison. He had reflected on the positive side of his imprisonment in furthering the gospel, and had spoken of his trust in the Lord. Child of God, whatever happens, rejoice in the Lord. Two reasons to rejoice is that we know that all will be well and that God’s love for us is unchanging. Romans 8v28, 31 and 32 say “So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose…. So, what does all this mean? If God has determined to stand with us, tell me, who then could ever stand against us? For God has proved his love by giving us his greatest treasure, the gift of his Son. And since God freely offered him up as the sacrifice for us all, he certainly won’t withhold from us anything else he has to give.” Amen.

 

Prayer

Father, we thank You so much for this day. Thank You for Your grace and mercy and love. We find our joy in You o God, for we know that You are involved in our lives, regardless of what we see or not see. We know that though weeping endures for a night, joy comes in the morning. Thank You for everything o God, in Jesus name, amen.