“Rejoice In The Lord Always”
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesAs God’s people, we should be a happy people (Psalm 35:9). Rejoicing is commanded (Philippians 3:1; Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16). It is promised to God’s people (Psalm 132:16). In this short article, let us consider the various kinds of joy, then see if we can’t be a more joyful and happy people in the Lord.
Consider the Joy Experienced by the Wicked – It is derived from foolish things (Proverbs 15:21). For example, to obtain thrills from shoplifting, stealing or by driving a car down a road at 150 miles per hour, is sheer folly. The wicked rejoice in these kind of quick thrills. However, the joy of the wicked is short-lived (Job 20:5). One can enjoy the pleasures of sin only for a season (Hebrews 11:24-26). Solomon impresses upon our minds the vainly of seeking happiness from earthly things (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11; Ecclesiastes 11:8). The joy of the wicked should be turned into mourning (James 4:8-9).
Consider the Joy Experienced by the Righteous – It is a joy inexpressible and full of glory (I Peter 1:8-9). One must experience it to know of it. To describe to someone else the joy which we experience is very difficult. This joy is increased in the meek and lowly (Isaiah 29:19). This joy of the righteous is constant – not short lived (2 Corinthians 6:10). Trials, persecutions, or hardships do not lesson the joy the Christian has. As a matter of fact, they can increase their joy (Matthew 5:11-12; Acts 5:41; James 1:2; Hebrews 10:34). The joy of the saints is made full by, (1) Abiding in Christ (John 15:10-11); (2) The love that we have for our fellow Christians (2 Timothy 1:4; Philippians 4:1); and (3) Children who walk in truth (Proverbs 23:24; 3 John 1:4) Any who are abiding in the faith, whether family or otherwise, bring happiness to all fellow Christians.
What Reasons Do We Have for Rejoicing? – The reasons for the Christian to rejoice are many, but let’s look at specific verses which state reasons for rejoicing: (1) Because of temporal blessings (Joel 2:23-24); (2) Because our names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3; Hebrews 12:23); (3) For salvation (Psalm 21:1; 1 Peter 1:5-6); (4) For deliverance from bondage (Psalm 105:43; Jeremiah 31:10-13); (5) For divine protection (Psalm 5:11-12; Psalm 16:8-9); (6) For divine support (Psalm 28:7; Psalm 63:7); (7) For the hope of glory (Romans 5:2); (8) For the success of the gospel (Acts 15:3).
What is the source or power that brings us happiness? – Here are just a few: (1) God gives joy (Ecclesiastes 2:26; Psalm 4:7-8); (2) We rejoice in God through Christ (Romans 5:11); (3) Jesus Christ brings joy; it was part of the work of the Messiah (Isaiah 61:3; Luke 2:10-11); (4) We rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 3:1); (5) Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22); (6) The Word of God, and our obedience to it, brings joy (Jeremiah 15:16; John 17:13; Acts 8:35-39); (7) To know and understand the Word of God brings great rejoicing in our hearts (Nehemiah 8:12); (8) The benefits of prayer brings joy (John 16:24). Thus, through the Godhead, the Word of God, and prayer, we find happiness.
Exhortations to Rejoice – Let the righteous rejoice (Psalm 68:3; Psalm 32:11). Let us serve God with gladness (Psalm 100:2-5). Let us engage in all worship services with rejoicing (Ezra 6:22). Let us rejoice in all our undertakings (I Thessalonians 5:16-18). Let us express our joy in song (James 5:13). Let us promote joy in other people (2 Corinthians 1:24; Philippians 1:25). Let us pray for joy in others (Romans 15:13). Let us rejoice and be happy, for we have received manifold and abundant spiritual blessings (Isaiah 61:10-11; Ephesians 1:3).
There Is Coming A Great Eternal Joy – Saints shall be presented to God with exceeding joy (1 Peter 4:13; Jude 1:24). Entering the joy of the Lord will be the reward of saints at the judgment day (Matthew 25:21). Heaven is pictured as marvelous place of happiness and joy (Psalm 16:11; Revelation 21:4). Through faithfulness, we, like Paul, can finish our course on earth with joy (Acts 20:24).
Conclusion
Worldly people everywhere are looking for joy and happiness, however, they look in wrong places. They look for joy and happiness in worldly pleasures and in material possessions; in social activities: employment, sports, hobbies, etc. They look for joy and happiness in friends, relatives, family, etc. The Christian does not spurn any honorable worldly reward, but recognizes the greater value in the spiritual (Matthew 6:19-20). We rejoice not in the things of this world, but in the Lord. As Nehemiah said, “….the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). And as David said, “My soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in His salvation” (Psalm 35:9). And our Lord said, “….your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you” (John 16:22). The worldly do not remain happy long; they are never satisfied (Proverbs 27:20; Ecclesiastes 1:8), but for the true Christian, our joy is real, satisfying, and forever lasting (Matthew 25:21; Romans 6:22; 1 Peter 1:7-9).