Rejoice In The Lord Always

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4.4-7).

It is difficult to rejoice in the Lord when those “In the Lord” are fighting with one another. Our fellowship in Christ should not be marked by quarreling, but by our rejoicing together, whether in good times or bad. The qualities that often lead us to divisions and fights are impatience, illogical thinking, and over-reacting. The word translated “reasonableness” in verse 5 speaks to the antithesis of these qualities. The Greek word επειεκεσ means “to be mild, moderate, and patient.” One who reveals these qualities “To everyone” will often find little time to quarrel. Rejoicing will be the nature consequence of such an attitude.

Our anxieties are caused by an over-emphasis on the material coupled with a lack of trust in God. Therefore, if we will cast our cares upon God, rather than attempt to bear them alone, we will experience a peace that can only come from God. When we place it in His hands two things happen: 1. Our request has reached the highest power. Therefore, we realize there is nothing more we can can do. Worrying has no benefit. 2. Along with that, we learn to find contentment with God operating according to His will, and in His time.