Digging Deeper: Take Joy in the Lord
4 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.”
Philippians 4:4-5 (ESV)
TAKE JOY IN THE LORD
Paul is writing this letter to the church at Philippi while imprisoned in Rome (see Acts 28). To most of us, being chained to a guard in prison 24/7 is not something that would instill joy. However, Paul uses the word joy—or some form of the word—sixteen times in this short letter. Paul leaves no doubt as to circumstantial joy; he unequivocally states to “always” rejoice in the Lord (v. 4).
Various translations use the words rejoice, be full of joy, or be glad. Our reason for joy should not be based on the temporal or the worldly, but on the eternal. Paul reminds his readers that “the Lord is at hand” (v. 5b). This can have two meanings:
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Paul was looking to the future, anticipating Christ’s return; or
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Paul is reminding the church that Jesus abides in all who call themselves followers of Christ and is therefore, by His very nature, always “at hand.”
How then do we learn to take joy in whatever circumstances we find ourselves? We must grow closer to Jesus day by day. Think about a beautiful sunset you may have observed—is there such a thing as an ugly sunset? You can be mesmerized by the beauty of God’s creation, observing the various hues and shades on display. You “lock eyes” on the scene, wishing to catch every nuance.
In my former life, I was cruising one night at 35,000 feet somewhere over the Carolinas, heading to New York. The sun had set earlier in the eastern sky over the Atlantic, and out that window were blackness, city lights, and stars. As I scanned the horizon to my left side of the cockpit, the scene changed. The sky brightened slightly, and in the distant western sky was just a hint of pink-orange, dying light. As I looked back and forth, the night-and-day (literal) contrast was stunning. I was lost in thought about our Creator and His marvelous handiwork!
That is how we must lock eyes with the One who redeemed us. We must study, ponder, pray to, and worship the One who made that scene possible. No matter how bumpy the ride or how stormy the skies, keep your eyes on the One who quiets the winds and calms the seas. Only then will joy be as natural as the breath you take each moment.
Paul also encourages his readers to “let [their] reasonableness be known to everyone” (v. 5a). Other translations substitute “gentle spirit,” “gentleness,” “kindness,” “considerate,” or “moderate” for reasonableness. One of the most effective demonstrations of our faith to this dark world we live in is our response in times of strife. Our expression of joy when we are in the dark valley can be a powerful witness to those searching for the inner peace and joy that are sorely lacking in our modern culture.
Lock eyes with Jesus every day. Let His shining light, joy, and gentle spirit emanate from within!
Digging Deeper (er):
John 16:22; John 15:11; John 15:13.
Phil Meade is a father of 3, and grandfather of 5. He has a Masters Degree in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NS. He retired after 8 years as an Air Force pilot, and 33 years as a Delta pilot.