With the start of school and the arrival of fall, life has returned to full speed in my house. Busyness puts me on edge and I get irritable. It seems like we are always running late, forgetting something, and the laundry is out of control. I got sick right as my husband was to leave town. And my back is giving me spasms but I have no time to go for an adjustment.
An introvert, I require peace and quiet to restore my senses-and sanity. Lately, it seems I need it more than ever. When I finally do get that time of quiet, I read these words, “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again, Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
The passages in Scripture where we are told to do things continually have always made me stop and question, “How can that be?” The Bible calls us to pray without ceasing, forgive seventy times seven, give thanks in all things and to rejoice always. How do I rejoice always? Even when my kids won’t do what I tell them? Even when my dishwasher breaks? How about when the doctor orders more tests or when my car gets hit from behind-then too? What about when my friends reject me or my dreams get washed away?
SInce Paul was the one who penned those words in Philippians, perhaps I should ask him about the “always” part. But then I remember that Paul didn’t have life easy. He endured beatings, starvation, shipwrecks, imprisonment, and ultimately martyrdom. Yet, he practiced what he preached. “We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:3-4)
Interestingly, ‘rejoice’ is a verb, the action of living out joy. I usually think of joy as something that happens to me as the result of a good experience. God blesses my life in some way and it makes me happy or joyful. But, as it turns out, joy is something that you do, an intentional response to life. And this response doesn’t require a specific set of circumstances. Rather, we can rejoice no matter and even in spite of the circumstances.
This response to life’s hardships is quite the opposite of what our culture expects today. Happiness is defined as life going just the way we want it. Someone does something nice for us and it makes us happy. Happiness often has a contingency attached to it. Some might say, “I’ll be happy as soon as I get the job I want” or “I’ll be happy once I’m married” “If my kids would just sleep through the night, I’d be a happier person” (guilty as charged on this one) or “If I won the lottery, then I’d be happy.”
It was Christ who showed us the path of joy often takes us through trials and suffering. He said to His followers that day on the Mount (Matthew 5), “Blessed are those who mourn.” In this sermon, blessed can also be translated as ‘happy’. ”Happy are those who are poor in spirit” ”Happy are those who are persecuted.”
Joy is ours through Christ, no matter the circumstances. And, as our Lord pointed out, even because of the circumstances. The astounding paradox, intrinsic to the upside down kingdom, is this truth: happiness comes through suffering.
After all, isn’t our greatest happiness the direct result of Jesus’ blood shed on the cross? The cross, a sign and symbol of curse, became a symbol of hope and joy. Jesus also told His followers on the Mount, “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.” (Matthew 5:11-12) He didn’t say, ‘you will have joy once you get to heaven’, but He said to rejoice now, be glad now, even while you are persecuted.
We can rejoice now, knowing what lies ahead. The hope and promise of heaven keeps us moving forward with joy, despite the obstacles and trials we face along the way.
James said to “consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4) He gives us another reason to rejoice in the sufferings and hardships of life-so that we would grow in our faith and walk with Christ.
Peter said something similar in 1 Peter 1:6-7, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” Not only do our trials refine us, shape us to be more like Christ, but the result of that refinement is for the glory and honor of Christ. The spiritual transformation in our lives glorifies our Lord and Savior.
When Paul tells us to rejoice always, he says to rejoice in the Lord always. It’s because of Christ, through Christ, by Christ, and in Christ that we have joy. We can rejoice no matter the circumstances because we know that we have been saved for eternity. We know that trials are changing us for the better. And we know that it all brings glory to God.
“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.” Revelation 19:7
Rejoicing in community (#1860-1873):
That it is possible to rejoice in all things
The way our sufferings are not wasted
The promise that suffering results in Christ-like growth
Surviving the week with my husband out of town
Not having to cook all week:)
Feeling better
The AMAZING discussions we are having in my ladies Bible study
Hope and peace
Celebrating birthdays with my mother-in-law
Having a party for the boys at the bowling alley
all the kids and even the grown ups having fun:)
Looking forward to going out of town next week for my sister’s wedding
A friend taking over my Bible study while I’m gone
Linking up with my friends at:
“We can rejoice now, knowing what lies ahead. The hope and promise of heaven…” Amen, friend. Amen!
What beautiful encouragement to start my week!
So glad you’re feeling better…enjoy the festivities ahead! love weddings….
To these, I say “Amen and Amen”:
“That it is possible to rejoice in all things
The way our sufferings are not wasted
The promise that suffering results in Christ-like growth”
That gets me all inspired! Thank you for sharing!!
wonderful and insightful post! This is so true: “Joy is ours through Christ, no matter the circumstances.”… I pray that I am always learning more and more to practice the JOY of the Lord in my life!
stopping by from Hear it Use it - Blessings to you
Thanks, Danise! It’s my prayer as well that I learn more and more to live out the joy of the Lord. May He teach us both! Blessings!
appreciated your thoughts - and your list, particularly amen-ing “the way our sufferings are not wasted.” that has me thinking a bit today, too, as it relates to parenting - how those times when we have to discipline and correct our kiddos, it shouldn’t be “wasted either.
Oh yes, so true! And how many opportunities I have wasted! So thankful for grace that continues to give me opportunities with my children. And I’m thankful for your visit today!
We seem to be circling the same subjects in life today. Love this… “Happiness comes through suffering” -amen. It’s so easy (even as Christians) to get caught up in how the world defines happiness and joy. Happiness and joy are found at the cross… choices we make based on Truth… not feelings and certainly not the World. This really spoke to my heart. Thank you…
Heidi, I am right there with you. I forget that following Him requires a cost, I forget the path He laid was a path of sacrifice. No matter the challenges of this life, heaven is our hope and promise. Clinging to that today!
Hi Christina, in those first few verses it felt like you were in my head. i so need some peace and quiet and in reality I am not sure how to reach that in my chaotic little world. But I do find when I spend time in the word I do settle a little and then more of the word, more I settle. Great post and great reminder that we are rejoice in the Lord despite circumstances not being ideal.
God bless
Tracy
Yes, the Word works in us in amazing ways. The way it draws us and changes us, gives us hope and peace. Praying that the Word fills your heart with peace today. Thanks for visiting!
“Joy is ours through Christ, no matter the circumstances. And, as our Lord pointed out, even because of the circumstances. The astounding paradox, intrinsic to the upside down kingdom, is this truth: happiness comes through suffering.” — so, so good Christina. Oh, how I miss your posts when I am unable to read them. The Lord always speaks to me through your writing. You are such a blessing to me. I have missed you, my friend!
You are so sweet! I hope everything is okay with you guys. Thanks for stopping by. Praying for God’s blessings on your week.
As a fellow introvert, I understand that need for peace and quiet and the aversion to chaos. But I love how you are finding joy in the midst of whatever. So thankful we can find Christ everywhere. Otherwise we’d be in trouble!
Oh, yes and He is everywhere. Always waiting to help. Always ready to strengthen us. Thanks for visiting!
Thanks for your visit last week (at Pursuing Heart), and for your comment left on my post “He Hears”. I am glad I could come by and read your post - I surely do identify with you and understand your need for peace and quiet (as I am also a fellow introvert!). And it is amazing how God takes us through even the busiest of times, and gives us grace and strength, and an attitude of joy even amidst trials. Thanks for sharing your heart!
Yes, He always gives me just what I need. No matter how much I doubt and worry, He always sees me through. Such grace! Thanks for visiting!
Love the picture and I really have no words for the post… just may be one of your best. Much love!
Thank you! You are the best!
So glad you got some time alone … so we could be reminded that suffering is not bad.
Thanks! I need all the alone time I can get:) So glad you visited!
Have you ever heard Ron Hamilton’s song, “Oh Rejoice in the Lord, He makes no mistakes…” It was singing in my ears as I was reading this. I can truly empathize as one who needs peace, quiet and alone time. I prayed this morning that God would give you peace in the busyness.
Thanks so much! I appreciate your prayers. May He be our peace in the storms of life. Blessings to you!
Those pictures are breathtaking. As in, my breath literally caught in my throat when I saw the first one.
And this is such a great post — I think about Paul often- how he suffered so, while writing the amazing words that change our hearts and minds. If HE can talking about reJOICing in suffering… my “light and momentary afflictions” are truly light and momentary!!
*hugs*
So true! It’s all a matter of perspective. There’s always something worse than what we are going through. Thanks for stopping by, sweet friend!
“Joy is ours through Christ, no matter the circumstances. And, as our Lord pointed out, even because of the circumstances. The astounding paradox, intrinsic to the upside down kingdom, is this truth: happiness comes through suffering.” Crazy and beautiful truth! Great encouragement. And, I love the pictures! Thanks for linking up today, Christina.
Thanks, Eileen! Still trying to wrap my mind around it all but know that He will help me. Thanks for visiting!
Such a lovely post.
Thanks, Denise!
I have this verse painted around the top border in my laundry room. What can I say? I have trouble rejoicing over laundry. This is a good reminder of why I should rejoice-”always”.
I smiled at that:) I think I need to do the same and around all the other places I struggle to rejoice as well. Blessings to you!
This is an inspiring post. The Lord has been telling me the same thing too. To rejoice for the joy of the Lord shall be my strength.
Martha
https://poundthegarlic.blogspot.com
Yes, He is our strength. Especially when we are at our weakest. There is so much freedom in weakness and I’m learning to embrace it:) Blessings!
I really needed this post this morning! Thank you so much! It is absolutely beautiful. I need to print out that verse and tape it many places in my home.
Your words are so full of eloquence and faith! I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Many blessings, Lisa
I know what you mean about always. I find ‘always’ a struggle just as I find most commandments in the Bible that I don’t like to follow challenging.
Glad you are feeling better in time for your sister’s wedding!!
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