Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord

Philippians 4:4

^“4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” (NLT)

Look at some of the synonyms for “rejoice” according to the dictionary. To be joyful, be happy, be pleased, be glad, be delighted, be elated, be ecstatic, be euphoric, be overjoyed, be as pleased as punch, be jubilant, be in raptures, be beside oneself with joy, be delirious, be thrilled, celebrate, and make merry.

Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11).

We are glad for a reason. We don’t have to be joyful because we are told to be joyful. We are joyful because the joy of Jesus is in us. Christians are joyful—or should be—because we have a great deal to celebrate every day. If the joy of the Lord is not in you, then Jesus is not in you or you are letting out the joy.

Paul isn’t saying to work up joy. He isn’t saying to simply laugh at the funny things of life. He isn’t saying be happy whether you feel like it or not. He is saying release the joy already in you. You can’t manufacture joy. You might fake a smile, but you can’t fake joy.

We don’t need to fake it. I really dislike the saying: fake it, until you make it. It’s like saying to fake joy until you are joyful. No, we are joyful because we are full of the Joy of Jesus.

It’s all about what Jesus has done for us. The word grace comes from the same root word. Grace and joy are interlinked. Once you know the benefits of God’s grace through the finished work of Jesus, joy is released in torrents. You are joyful in worship. You are joyful at work, home, in long lines, and in every situation. Joy is bubbling over. The joy of the Lord is strength. Joy released is love for your neighbor.

We express joy in some way. Look at the list above again. Sometimes it’s delirious and sometimes it’s simply being pleased. It’s always a celebration of life through Jesus. Joy in Jesus all the time.