Thursday Thought Discovering Movement in an Ancient Letter Rejoice Repeatedly Philippians 4:4-9
Today, I will begin to explore Philippians 4:4-9, starting with verse 4 in which the Apostle Paul instructs, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” It is uncanny how often God works in my life in the strangest of ways. For instance, I had written this post, and due to my own carelessness and lack of computer expertise, everything I wrote was deleted! So, thanks for joining me today for this re-written blog post …
Aargh!
As I begin composing and typing today’s post once again, I feel both distressed and amused. Distressed because I am frustrated with myself and do not like the inconvenience of re-doing what I have already done! Amused because I am reminded that the God of the Universe may indeed have a sense of humor when deciding how to best teach and grow my soul.
Paul, incarcerated in a Roman prison, faced an unsure and potentially life-threatening future when he wrote a letter to his friends in Philippi and instructed them:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4 (NIV)
Paul’s repetition may have been not only for his readers’ benefit, but also his own. Sometimes during difficult seasons and trying circumstances, we need to remind ourselves to keep on rejoicing! Surely, my self-talk has reminded me more than once this morning, Sue, remember, REJOICE in the Lord!
I need not rejoice in the immediate circumstances. Life oftentimes hands us extremely difficult situations, and there’s not one humorous thing about them. Despite my circumstances, however, I can choose to rejoice in the Lord believing in the divine way God works together everything in my life for a good purpose even though I may be unable to see any beneficial purpose at the time. (See Romans 8:28-29).
Henri J. M. Nouwen, a Dutch Catholic priest, professor, prolific author, and theologian once said,
Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.
Because I have a rather fertile imagination, I thought about a conversation Henri and the Apostle Paul may have had concerning Philippians 4:4 and Nouwen’s maxim. I somehow imagine these two brilliant men would have liked each other.
I envision Paul gently challenging Henri. As Paul spoke, Henri pondered pensively, perhaps with his index finger resting professorially just above his chin, as Paul said,
“Well, I do agree with you, Brother Henri, but I would surely add, ‘We have to keep choosing not only JOY but JESUS every day.’”
Question to Consider: What current challenging situation in your life presents an opportunity to choose joy and “Rejoice in the Lord,” and then when discouragement or weariness sets in to keep choosing JOY in Jesus?
Prayer
Dear Lord,
I know I don’t need to remind you,
But sometimes choosing to rejoice
Is really very difficult!
Jesus, please help me to
Choose joy in you not only once, but repeatedly!
Amen
Blessings on your journey of rejoicing,
