I was listening to a devotion from Philippians a few weeks ago when I found my verse for the year.
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4
There was no big revelation or deep thought process, just the knowledge that when I praise God and rejoice in Him everything else falls into place. Philippians has always been one of my favourite books of the Bible and I've been spending more time there lately, often listening to an audio version while doing things around the house.
I always enjoy reading Spurgeon's messages. Today, I thought I'd see what he had to say about this verse. I think he expresses far better than I could what we can learn from Philippians 4:4.
I've taken these excerpts from one of his sermons, Joy, a Duty.
"Further, brethren, notice that the apostle, after he had said, "Rejoice in the Lord alway," commanded the Philippians to be careful for nothing, thus implying that joy in the Lord is one of the best preparations for the trials of this life. The cure for care is joy in the Lord. No, my brother, you will not be able to keep on with your fretfulness; no, my sister, you will not be able to weary yourself any longer with your anxieties, if the Lord will but fill you with his joy. Then, being satisfied with your God, yea, more than satisfied, overflowing with delight in him, you will say to yourself, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance." What is there on earth that is worth fretting for even for five minutes? If one could gain an imperial crown by a day of care, it would be too great an expense for a thing which would bring more care with it. Therefore, let us be thankful, let us be joyful in the Lord. I count it one of the wisest things that, by rejoicing in the Lord, we commence our heaven here below. It is possible so to do, it is profitable so to do, and we are commanded so to do."
~~~
"You are commanded to rejoice, brethren, because this is for your profit. Holy joy will oil the wheels of your life's machinery. Holy joy will strengthen you for your daily labour. Holy joy will beautify you, and, as I have already said, give you an influence over the lives of others. It is upon this point that I would most of all insist, we are commanded to rejoice in the Lord. If you cannot speak the gospel, live the gospel by your cheerfulness; for what is the gospel? Glad tidings of great joy; and you who believe it must show by its effect upon you that it is glad tidings of great joy to you. I do believe that a man of God—under trial and difficulty and affliction, bearing up, and patiently submitting with holy acquiescence, and still rejoicing in God—is a real preacher of the gospel, preaching with an eloquence which is mightier than words can ever be, and which will find its secret and silent way into the hearts of those who might have resisted other arguments. Oh, do, then, listen to the text, for it is a command from God, "Rejoice in the Lord alway!" "
You can read the full sermon on the Spurgeon Archive site, Joy, a Duty
Many years ago, I started out to write a song called, A Reason For Joy, but it took a slightly different direction and became, My Reason To Sing. Still, the sentiment is the same and I thought it was a fitting song to begin the year with.
My Reason To Sing
© Deborah Bolack 2003
BIAB Rendition
(ignore glitch at end!)
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(intro)
(intro)
God laid the Earth’s foundation,
and set the world in its place;
raised up majestic mountains,
carved valleys, and spread out the plains.
God made and garnished the heavens,
and set the stars in the night;
designed the morning sunrise,
bestowed on the world his light.
And yet he thought of me,
with a love that spans all time and space.
Yes, created me with a special plan for all my days.
God sent his Son to save me,
forgave me all of my sins.
He gave his word to guide me,
his Spirit to dwell within.
God made my heart to hold him,
before my life had begun,
Then gave me breath to praise him,
and whispered, “There’s songs to be sung.”
And now he lives in me, and he gives me a reason to sing.
Yes, abides in me; my Creator, my Saviour and King.
To God be the glory, he is my reason to sing!
My reason to sing!
My reason to sing!
~~~
Yes, HE is my reason to sing and my reason for joy!
And so I start the new year with no resolutions, no big plans, no set goals. I step into 2021 with nothing more than a desire to rejoice in my Lord and again I say, Rejoice!
